James Bond Movies: Top Actors Who Could be the Next 007 After Daniel Craig's 'Spectre'

The latest "James Bond" movie has just released its trailer for its 24th installment in the series, "Spectre". However, fans seem too excited to know who will be the next 007 since "Spectre" will be Daniel Craig's last portrayal of the most well-known and well-loved agent.

Esquire speculates that the next James Bond will be among Christian Bale, Guy Pearce, Jon Hamm and Sam Worthington.

"Batman" star Bale has the looks and skills that a James Bond character exudes. He is good in action movies, impressive in suits and got his own way of irony when he played his role in "American Psycho." When all of these skills are combined, Bale could be the next 007.

Australian actor, Pearce, is another strong candidate for the role. Esquire has learned that his resume to date is similar to Craig's, the current James Bond. With these records at hand, the actor is sure to exhibit the intensity and physical requirements of the character. If Pearce is chosen as the next 007, he will be the second Australian actor to play the role after George Lazenby in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

The next 007 role will also fit Don Draper. Hamm had given an outstanding performance when he played this character in the AMC drama series, "Mad Men." The actor, director and producer, has the charm and intimidating aura that will glorify James Bond's character when he is given the opportunity.

Although most actors who played James Bond are already in their late 40s, some believe it will be good to look for a younger actor to take the role. Sean Connery was only thirty-two when he took Bond for the first time. If a younger Bond is sought for, Worthington will be a good choice.

There are also rumors that Idris Elba is among the strong candidates for the role, but the "Luther" star is quick to clear the speculations, saying he has no idea about it. Elba has been rumored to play the British spy years ago, and the issue came to life again when a hacked email revealed that the company is considering him as the next Bond, The Independent reports.

In response to the speculations, Elba posted a photo in Twitter, which he captioned, "Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people."

Although Elba could not comment on the reliability of the rumors, when asked by a fan, he admitted that if the role is offered to him, he will absolutely accept it. Among the celebrities who believe Elba fits the role are Pierce Brosnan and Kanye West. If Elba got the role, he would be the first black James Bond.

According to another report from The Independent, Damien Lewis, Michael Fassbender and Tom Hardy are also among the actors rumored to play the next 007.

Well, there are no updates as of the moment but for sure another actor will be playing the next British spy soon. Craig already told Rolling Stones two years ago about his intention of leaving the franchise, "I've been trying to get out of this from the very moment I got into it. But they won't let me go, and I've agreed to do a couple more, but let's see how this one does, because business is business."