There has been a lot of chatter about which actor will make the next best James Bond, should Daniel Craig choose to retire from the iconic role. Although film producers are still hoping for Craig to return for the forthcoming “Bond 25” one last time, all the signs suggest that Craig’s spy days are over.
While much of the world’s speculation has centred on Idris Elba for the role, Tom Hiddleston is throwing his hat into the ring, further stirring Bond rumours thanks to his lead role in John Le Carre’s spy thriller, “The Night Manager”. In the TV miniseries, Hiddleston plays an undercover agent trying gain access into the inner circle of a major international arms dealer.
Hiddleston told Britain’s The Sunday Times that he’s a huge fan of the Bond franchise, revealing that he took time off to watch “Spectre” in the cinema while shooting “Kong: Skull Island”. “I simply love the theme tune, the tropes and the mythology. I love the whole thing. If it ever came knocking, it would be an extraordinary opportunity. And I’m very aware of the physicality of the job. I would not take it lightly,” he said.
That is essentially an actor’s code for “Pick me!” in the selection process.
To echo Jessica Lachenal’s words, “being asked to play Bond is a lot like being invited to join a secret society. There’s something super special about it, but you can’t appear too eager, lest they deem you uncool enough for the role or something. It is, after all, a very special club.”
If the rumours are true, then Hiddleston might have landed himself on the shortlist to take over Craig. Having said that, several bookmaking outlets still believe that the actor trails behind hot favourites Tom Hardy, followed by Elba, Damian Lewis, Aiden Turner, and Henry Cavill.
Craig had previously quipped that he’d rather “slash my wrist” than star in another Bond film. He later backtracked, saying that he simply needed a break and would keep going for “as long as I’m physically able.”
Sources: The Mary Sue, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen Rant.
