Considering he spent the weekend adding $85 million to an international box office haul worth over $400 million, and that his latest adventure did so after a daring escape from the financial ruins of MGM’s bankruptcy, it’s pretty great to be James Bond right now. Thanks to the inspired choice of Sam Mendes as director, a deliciously menacing turn by Javier Bardem, and a uniquely introspective take on the character from A-list scribe John Logan, Skyfall is already making a name for itself as one of the best Bond films of all time.
With both Daniel Craig and John Logan already onboard for at least two more 007 outings, the immediate future is clear, but with the franchise having just turned 50, rest assured, plans are already being made for what Bond will look like many years from now. Seeing as the character is the franchise, the only real question is who will be taking up the well-tailored mantle next. Craig’s made it clear that he wants out once his contract is up, but who could possibly follow in his icon-redefining footsteps?
After five films with James Blonde, the field of potential replacements is broader than ever, so dark-haired and dapper aren’t the only qualifications anymore. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of six leading men we’d like to see replace Daniel Craig as cinema’s greatest spy.
Continue onto the next page to see our picks for the next James Bond…