Bond... James Bond

Its probably the most iconic role in British cinema. It has the most recognisable theme tune in cinema and one of the most constant opening shots in cinema with it's gun barrel shot. MI:6 agent James Bond is a prestigious role.

Bond has had an illustrious career spanning 22 different films, a 23rd is currently in production, with 6 different actors donning the tuxedo. It all started with Scot Sean Connery in 1962 when he made the first Bond film Dr No. Next came Aussie George Lazenby who survived just the one film in 1969. Roger Moore the took the gun in 1973 and lasted until 1985. Next up came a shocking decision  to cast Timothy Dalton in 1987 and he lasted 2 years as Bond... somehow. Pierce Brosnan then took the role and lasted 7 years. Daniel Craig is our current Bond, and doing very well after Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace and he is currently filming Bond 23, but rumours have been circulating that Bond 23 will be Criag's last outing as Bond, so who could replace him?

All the normal British actors have been linked with the role. Gerard Butler, Christian Bale, Clive Owen, Colin Farrell, Jason Statham but all these actors would be very bad choices. Here I examine why the following actors could possibly do Bond justice.

1. Tom Hardy. Hardy will be known to most people as Eames in Inception but to fans of Hardy will know him as Bronson. Hardy shot to fame in Inception and has ben cast as Bane in Christopher Nolan's final Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, but why would Hardy make a good Bond?

Apparently Nolan told Hardy to give a sense of Bond to Eames in Inception to which Hardy replied YES! enough said? Bond needs a rugged look, he needs to be able to blend in and spy but he needs to know how to get himself out of trouble when he needs to, Hardy could defiantly do that without problem. Im a massive fan of Hardy and I think it would be a great shame if he never plays Bond... but he does have stiff competition.

2. Tom Hardy's co star in Inception (and possibly The Dark Knight Rises) Cillian Murphy. Again I'm a massive Murphy fan and he just looks like a Bond... When you look at him you instantly think Bond. Murphy has a strong career in British cinema after starring in 28 Days Later, Sunshine and Nolan's Batman films. I think Murphy is matured enough after staring in some blockbusters and he ay have the advantage over Hardy because I reckon he could fit into a crowd easier.

3. Finally its time for the outsider. Richard Armitage. Star of TV Series Spooks and a few appearances in comedy hit Vicar of Dibley, but Armitage has also starred in Captain America and the TV series of Robin Hood, oh and he will be in something called The Hobbit? So why would Armitage make a good Bond? Armitage is a versatile established actor who has proved himself in TV and film. In my opinion out of the three actors Armitage should be the new Bond.

Maybe after Richard Armitage has saved the world... maybe Jaime Bell or Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln could take over.

BUT if Robert Pattinson or Daniel Radcliffe are even mentioned as the possible replacement I will abandoned British cinema forever.

So there we have it. Richard Armitage will be the next Bond, Gary Oldman would make a perfect M and Mark Strong and Paddy Considine could team up to take over the world and Emma Watson as the possible Bond girl? But the big question is who would direct this star studied cast? How about... Me?