James Bond Shortlist Includes Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston & Michael Fassbender?

It has been nearly a year sinceSpectrehit theaters and though it didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations placed on it bySkyfall, fans still want to seeDaniel Craigreturn as James Bond. The problem is, we still don’t know if that is going to happen, so the studio is reportedly looking for his replacement, shouldCraigpass on the opportunity to continue on as 007. Now, a shortlist has emerged, and it is a very mixed bag of potential candidates to take on the role of James Bond.

UK Celebrity gossip siteThe Sunis reporting that Sony and MGM have narrowed their search to six potential names for the next James Bond movie, which will be the landmark 25th installment of the franchise. The list includes long rumored names likeIdris Elba,Michael FassbenderandTom Hiddleston. The rumored list also includes a couple of less talked about, but occasionally mentioned names withCharlie HunnamandLuke Evans, but most surprisingly, the relatively obscureAiden Turneris in the mix. The report also mentions thatJamie BellandJames Nortonhave met with producers, but are not on the actual shortlist. A source at MGM had this to say about the new Bond, stating thatElbaseems to be the favorite.

“To get anyone to take over from Daniel will be a tough job. There will be a lot of trepidation about a new Bond, but Idris' talent and proven appeal gives executives a lot of heart. Idris may be a little older than the other candidates but he looks like he is still in his 30s. MGM are confident that they are in a pretty strong place with a raft of talent available.”

Idris Elba’s name has been thrown around for quite some time in regards to being a favorite to take over as James Bond. While all of the other candidates are in their 30s,Elbais 43 and is definitely a bit older to be taking over the role. However, he does look the part and definitely has the chops to do it.Elbahimself has stated that he has not had any conversations with the studio, and also joked about being a bit too old for the part. Here is what he had to say in a recent interview withGood Morning America.

“It is thewildest rumorin the world. I keep saying if it were to happen it would be the will of a nation because there hasn’t been any talks between me and the studio about any of that. But everywhere I go, people have been wanting that to happen. But if I’m really honest man, I think I’m too old for that. Running around in cars and ladies and martinis, who wants to do that? Sounds terrible.”

Tom Hiddlestonstill smells like the most likely choice, all things considered. He is the perfect age (35), and there are whispers thatThor: Ragnarokwill be his last go as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, he’ll be free. Most interestingly, though, was a few months ago when bookies had to stop taking bets onHiddlestonto be the next Bond because the odds tipped so heavily in his favor that they were worried about losing money. He has reportedly been spotted meeting with EON Productions franchise bossBarbara Broccoli, who is ultimately in control of the decision. Plus,Hiddlestonjust starred in the limited seriesThe Night Manager, which may as well have been an audition for the part.

The other choices on the list all seem to make sense in their own way.Michael Fassbenderis one of the most sought after, talented actors working today. He also has the charm and he looks pretty good in a Tux. The in-demand element may also make him the least likely to actually get the role as well, though. As forCharlie HunnamandLuke Evans? They both seem to look like a more rugged look and both occupy the same space in terms of fame and ability, at least on paper. The problem being that neither of them has a name that pops likeElbaorFassbender, so it is likely they aren’t the top choice at the moment. Then there’sAidan Turner. Yes, he starred as Kili inThe Hobbittrilogy and is currently on the showPoldark, and he is age appropriate at 33, but save for that, he seems very much like an outside candidate when compared to the rest of the pack. That being said, so wasDaniel Craigat the time. Ultimately, sinceSam Mendeswon’t be back, once a director is chosen, then things will heat up.

“While the MGM executives have an idea, Barbara makes the ultimate decision on the role. Once Barbara decides who she wants to direct, then the audition process will be vital.”

All of this could mean nothing ifCraigdecides he would like to accept the dump truck full of money that the studio has reportedly offered him to return as James Bond one (or two) more times. His new showPurity, according to Showtime CEODavid Nevins, won’t get in the way if he decides that is what he wants to do. There have been conflicting reports, with some saying that he is really, truly done with the role, and others saying that he has yet to make a definitive choice. Either way, Sony and MGM can’t wait forever, so ifCraigputs his foot down and really is done, it looks like one of these six actors could be our next 007 inJames Bond 25.