James Bond fans have revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy films.
Idris Elba, 51, beat two other Bond replacements by an overwhelming number of votes after one in five fans said he would be their choice.
In a study of 2,000 fans commissioned by Lottoland, Idris came out on top as the most popular person for the position, ahead of Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill.
Other 20 stars fans suggested to be in the running include Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, The sun revealed.
But even if Idris was the top choice, fans might be disappointed after the actor backed out of playing the role last year so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he stars in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
James Bond fans revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in spy films – Idris Elba (seen Saturday)
Daniel Craig has played James Bond in five spy film installments since 2006’s Casino Royale.
Idris opened up about ongoing talk of taking over as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy in February 2023.
Asked about Luther’s film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he replied: “It’s very dark.
“We’ve been working on the TV series for about 10 years and so our natural ambition is to bring it to the big screen, so here we are with the first film.
“You know, a lot of people talk about another character that starts with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.
“I’m going to be John Luther. This is who I am.
In August 2022, it was reported that Idris had given up “years of discussions” with film bosses to reprise the famous role.
He was the bookies’ favorite to replace Daniel Craig as the super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles – and has even offered producer Barbara Broccoli a shortlist of actor names to play 007.
A source said The sun: ‘The fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself.
“However, he has been putting forward names to play 007. He is ‘informally’ involved in the decision-making process because he has been in talks with the producers for so long.”
Idris Elba, 51, beat two other Bond replacements by an overwhelming number of votes after one in five fans said he would be their choice.
Idris held off on playing James Bond so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he stars in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
MailOnline then contacted representatives of the producers of Idris and James Bond.
At the premiere of his film The Harder They Fall in 2021, Idris said when asked if he would be considered as the next 007: “No, I’m not going to be James Bond.”
He also said The Express about the rumors: “I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world and I didn’t even play the role.”
Idris then added: “Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it anymore.
Despite this, Ladbrokes awarded the actor 3/1 for his role after Daniel announced that 2021’s No Time To Die would be his final outing as the character.
The bookmakers said at the time: “We have seen a surge in interest in Idris Elba and have reduced his odds accordingly, so much so that he is now the clear favorite as far as we are concerned to replace Daniel Craig in as 007.”
Tom Hardy was also rumored to be in the running at the time, at 5/1, Rege-Jean Page 4/1 and Richard Madden at 20/1.
The 51-year-old actor spoke last year about the ongoing talk of him taking over as Ian Fleming’s famous British spy (Daniel Craig is pictured in the role).
In a study of 2,000 fans commissioned by Lottoland, Idris came out on top as the most popular person for the position, ahead of Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill.
James Bond producer Barbara previously admitted it would take a long time to cast Craig’s 007 replacement.
The filmmaker insisted it wasn’t as simple as casting an actor to take on the iconic role of the suave spy.
Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: “It’s a big decision.
“It’s not just about playing a role. It’s about completely rethinking the direction we’re going.
Earlier the same year, the producer of the hit franchise confirmed that Idris was “part of the conversation” to become the next 007.
She told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast: “Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him and he’s a magnificent actor.”
In August 2022, it was reported that Idris had given up “years of discussions” with film bosses to reprise the famous role (2022 photo)
“And, you know, that’s part of the conversation, but it’s always hard to have a conversation when you have someone instead.”
Barbara added that Bond bosses are in no rush to appoint the actor as they wanted to let the cast and crew savor Craig’s latest film No Time To Die.
She said: “I think we decided that until No Time To Die happened and Daniel was able to – well, we were all able to savor, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we didn’t Don’t think about or talk to anyone else about it.
The producer also hinted at a reimagining of the franchise. explaining: “It’s a reinvention of Bond. We are looking for where to go with him, we are discussing it.
She added, however, that any casting announcements were far from over, saying, “We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time,” she continued. “There is no storyline and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we are going to approach the next film.
“I would say filming is at least two years away.”