1) Matthew Goode
Maybe it’s his sporadic contempt for the industry (he called romantic comedy Leap Year – of which he was co-lead – “turgid”) that’s seen Matthew Goode’s career go seemingly backwards, from topline star in a superhero movie (Watchmen) to supporting actor for television. No offence to TV, but Goode shouldn’t be having to carve out a career on the small screen in The Good Wife and Downton Abbey when he’s talented enough to be a major movie star, and when he’s – judged by his finest work – good enough for Bond.
Goode’s developed something of a reputation for being difficult, but that didn’t stop 007’s producers casting awkward before (ahem, George Lazenby). Plus, in front of the camera, Goode’s perfect for the part: in films like The Lookout, A Single Man, and Stoker, he’s unfailingly suave, assured and dangerous. There’s always a certain gleeful sadism to Goode’s best performances that Bond hasn’t had since Connery.