Who is the next James Bond? Replacements for No Time To Die actor Daniel Craig, from Tom Hardy to Henry Cavill

As the latest instalment in the Bond franchise is released into cinemas across the country, the race to see who will take over the famed 007 name tag is already on.

The current James Bond, Daniel Craig, confirmed that No Time To Die will be his final outing as the British spy.

This has led to speculation of which British actor will take on the role after Craig’s departure, despite the franchise’s producer, Barbara Broccoli, saying the hunt for the next Bond will begin in 2022.

Here are the odds on favourites to play James Bond according to the bookies.

Tom Hardy

According to Ladbrokes, Tom Hardy has had his ods moved down from 9/4 to 5/2.

The British actor is best known for his roles in Mad Max: Fury Road, Peaky Blinders and Taboo. Naomie Harris, who plays Moneypenny in the franchise, has named Hardy as her pick to play Bond after Craig.

James Norton

In joint second place is James Norton with 3/1 odds on William Hill.

Norton found fame thanks to his performance as Alex Godman in McMafia. He was also nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in Happy Valley.

Rege-Jean Page

After becoming a household name thanks to his role as the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton, Page became one of the favourites to take over the 007 role.

William Hill currently has the actor as joint-second favourite with odds of 3/1. The 31-year-old was asked about taking on the role on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He said: “I think the internet thinks a lot of things, that’s one of the more pleasant ones, so I’m pleased as far as that goes.

But there might be an element of cultural translation here. If you’re a Brit and you do something of any kind of renown that people regard well, then people start saying the ‘B’ word. It’s like a merit badge. You get a ‘B’ word merit badge.”

Henry Cavill

Superman star Henry Cavill was once third favourite to take on the role, with odds of 6/1. However, he now sits on odds/ of 12/1 according to Coral.

The Witcher actor previously auditioned for the role when director Martin Campbell was casting for Casino Royale. However, the studio ultimately decided he was too young and Daniel Craig was cast.

In an interview last year, Cavill said he would “love to play Bond”.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch is in the running to take over from Daniel Craig, with Coral placing he on odds of 5/1.

The British actress is set to gain the 007 nametag in No Time To Die, but the actress has also been rumoured to take on the titular role in the future.

Lynch can also be seen in BBC’s Silent Witness and Death in Paradise, as well as Brotherhood and Bulletproof.

Sam Heughan

Scottish actor Sam Heughan has never been shy sharing his enthusiasm for the possibility of being the next Bond. The star has previously held odds of 6/1 to become the next 007.

Heughan is best known for his role as Jamie Fraser in the historical drama series Outlander. He has also got on screen experience as a special forces operator in SAS: Red Notice.

Speaking to PA earlier this year, Heughan said: “I don’t know if there is a conversation being had apart from in the media, but I think it’s an incredible franchise and a great character, so of course I would jump at it.

“But I feel like Tom Buckingham is equally as interesting and, who knows, maybe this could be the new franchise.”

Idris Elba

Idris Elba has remained a constant runner in the race to become the next James Bond.

William Hill currently places the Luther star at 8/1 to take on the lead role.

Elba is best known for his role as DCI John Luther in the BBC crime drama, picking up a Golden Globe for his performance. He has also starred in the Wire, the Marvel franchise as Heimdall and most recently in The Suicide Squad.

Richard Madden

After capturing the nation’s attention thanks to his role in the BBC series Bodyguard, Richard Madden became the hot favourite to become the next James Bond.

According to Paddy Power, the Game of Thrones star sits on 6/1 odds to take on the role.

Speaking to G2 about the speculation, Madden said: “I’m more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I’m very flattered and thankful. It’s a really brilliant thing to be in.”