James Bond fans confirm who they REALLY want as Daniel Craig's replacement - overwhelmingly beating out two other 007 candidates

It's the movie role that can transform unknown actors into global mega stars - and now Brits have had their say over who they want the next James Bond to be. 

Since Daniel Craig put down his martini and hung up his tux, movie fans have been eagerly waiting to find out who will be next to pick up 007's gun. 

One of Hollywood's most iconic roles, actors who played the suave, steely-eyed and devastatingly charming spy include Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton.

Now, thousands of Bond fans have been casting their vote over who they want to replace Craig in the franchise. 

And topping the list is Luther star Idris Elba, who was the overwhelming favourite for the gig following a study of 2,000 Brits. 

The poll, commissioned by Lottoland, saw the 51-year-old beating the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, Superman's Henry Cavill and the Oscar-winning man with the golden gong, Cillian Murphy, to the prized role.

Some of the other top 20 A-listers fans suggested to be in the running included some left-wing stars, like House of the Dragons' Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, The Sun revealed. 

Fans of James Bond revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy flicks - Idris Elba (seen on Saturday)

Daniel Craig has played James Bond for five instalments of the spy flicks, since Casino Royale in 2006

Superman Henry Cavill is another Bond making the top 20 of the poll 

Also in the running is Venom star Tom Hardy who was the second favourite to replace Daniel Craig as 007

From Sean Connery (left) to Roger Moore (right), the men chosen to play Bond are typically steely-eyed, testosterone-fuelled, with deadly charm

Pictured: Pierce Brosnan as 007

Bond is famed for turning those who play 007 into global superstars.

And the franchise isn't shy of casting left-field stars to take on the role. The late Sean Connery, one of the most recognisable Bonds, had only featured in a series of TV films when he accepted the role of the titular British spy in 1962's Dr. No, catapulting him to international fame.

But while Idris was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role last year so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.

Idris brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming's famed British spy in February 2023.

When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: 'It's very dark.

'We've been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we're here with the first movie.

'You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I'm not going to be that guy.

'I'm going to be John Luther. That's who I am.' 

Back in August 2022, it was reported Idris had walked away from 'years of talks' with movie bosses to take over the famous role.

He had been the bookies' favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles - and has even put forward a list of proposed names to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors to play 007.

A source told The Sun: 'Fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself.

'However, he's put forward names to play 007. He's 'informally' in the decision-making process as he's been in talks with producers for so long.' 

MailOnline contacted reps for Idris and James Bond producers at the time.

While Aaron Taylor-Johnson, once hailed as the 'one to beat' to become the next 007, placed 9th 

He's the man with the golden gong, but could Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy be the next 007

How about Marvel's cheeky trickster, Loki? Tom Hiddleston features sixth on the list 

But there are some left-field entries, too, including Emily Blunt as the first female Bond 

And House of the Dragon star Emilia Clarke - who once played  Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise - is also a female front runner 

While at the premiere of his movie The Harder They Fall in 2021, Idris said when asked if he'll be considered as the next 007 he said: 'No, I'm not going to be James Bond.'

He also told The Express about the rumours:  'I'm probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I haven't even played the role.' 

Idris then added: 'Enough is enough. I can't talk about it anymore.' 

Despite this Ladbrokes awarded the actor 3/1 on taking on the role after Daniel announced 2021's No Time To Die would be his last outing as the character.

The bookmakers said at the time: 'We've seen a flurry of interest in Idris Elba and have slashed his odds accordingly, so much so that he's now the clear favourite as far as we're concerned to replace Daniel Craig as 007.'

Also rumoured to be in the running at the time were Tom Hardy at 5/1, Rege-Jean Page 4/1 and Richard Madden 20/1.

Daniel Craig has been Bond since his first outing in 2006's Casino Royal, before announcing 2021's No Time To Die would be his last time as 007

Grantchester's James Norton (pictured in 2021) placed fourth in the poll for the future famed spy

Others in the running for Bond include Scottish Game of Thrones star, Richard Madden

Regé Jean-Page (pictured in July 2022) also made the list, placing just behind Madden in 11th

Spider-Man Tom Holland was also on the list to replace Daniel Craig as Bond 

James Bond producer Barbara previously admitted it will take a long time to choose Craig's 007 replacement.

The filmmaker insisted it's not as easy as picking 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 casting a role. It's about a whole rethink about where we're going.'

Earlier that same year, the blockbuster franchise's producer confirmed Idris was 'part of the conversation' to be 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.'

'And, you know, it's been a part of the conversation, but it's always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.'

Hunky Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan also features in the top 20 for the next Bond

As does Welshman Luke Evans, who has starred in a string of Hollywood blockbusters - including the Hobbit, Fast & Furious 6 and Dracula Untold

Flying high off his recent role in the Netflix smash, Saltburn, could Barry Keoghan be the next to step into the shoes of 007? 

Perhaps an unlikely choice but Leo Woodall's role in Neflix's One Day has seen his popularity surge - sitting 13th in the table for future Bonds  

Barbara added that there is no rush from Bond bosses to name the actor as they wanted to let the cast and crew savour the Craig's final movie No Time To Die. 

She said: 'I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we've all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel's wonderful tenure, we're not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.'

The producer also hinted at a re-imagining of the franchise. explaining: 'It's a reinvention of Bond. We're working out where to go with him, we're talking that through.'

She added though that any casting announcements are a way off, saying: 'We're reinventing who he is and that takes time,' she continued. 'There isn't a script and we can't come up with one until we decide how we're going to approach the next film. 

'I'd say that filming is at least two years away.'

All the previous actors to star as James Bond  

James Bond has been thrilling cinema-goers worldwide with his adrenaline-fuelled secret missions to exotic places for more than 60 years. 

The British spy, codenamed 007, has found himself fighting villains and terrorists on the moon, under water and at the top of a skyscraper.

And since his big screen debut in 1962, only six actors have played Bond (seven, if you include the portrayal of 007 by Peter Sellers in 1967's comedy spoof 'Casino Royal').

The hunt is now on to find the latest Bond, with front-runners including Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Cillian Murphy. Now, we look back at all the previous actors to star as 007.

Sean Connery: 1962-1971 

Sean Connery was the first Bond to hit the big screen in a dashing debut as 007

The first star to hit the screen as Bond was the devastatingly charming Sean Connery, starring in 1962's Dr. No. 

The acclaimed Scotsman went on to feature in five more Bond flicks, before retiring as 007 in 1971's Diamonds are Forever.

George Lazenby: 1969 

He may only have had one outing as James Bond, was met with a mixed reception

However, George Lazenby made his only appearance as the British spy in 1969's 007 On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

He's version of Bond, however, was met with a mixed reception. Some lauded him for a more serious portray of the spy. But others felt he was uncharismatic, and lacked the suave and charm of Connery.

Roger Moore: 1977-1985 

Roger Moore was one of the longest-serving Bonds, featuring in seven films 

Roger Moore became the next Bond, featuring in seven films from 1977's Live and Let Die, to his final outing in 1985's A View to a Kill. 

Moore's turn as 007 brought without some outlandish and ludicrous plot lines, which featured him battling on the moon in Moonraker.

Timothy Dalton: 1985-1989 

Timothy Dalton was next to take on the mantle, debuting as Bond in 1987's The Living Daylights.

Timothy Dalton was next to take on the mantle, debuting as Bond in 1987's The Living Daylights.

Dalton's portrayal brought a gritter and more serious Bond to the screen, with a darker sense of humour.

He featured in one more Bond film, A Licence to Kill, in 1989 before being replaced.

Pierce Brosnan: 1995-2002 

Pierce Brosnan was the next bond, debuting in 1995's Goldeneye

It took six years for Dalton's replacement, Pierce Brosnan, to get his outing in the 1995 smash-hit Golden Eye. 

Brosnan went on to do three more Bond films during his seven-year stint as 007, which wound with Die Another Die in 2002. 

Daniel Craig: 2006-2021 

Daniel Craig's take on Bond saw a beefed up version of the British spy taking to the screens (pictured in-character in 2020)

Daniel Craig stepped Bond's in 2006 with a cinematic reset of the titular spy, replacing the gadgetry of previous installments with a grittier and more muscular reinvention of 007.

His opening portrayal of a more haunted Bond in his debut film, Casino Royal, was critically celebrated - hailed as one of the best Bonds in years. 

Craig would feature in four more films before finally downing his last Martini - shaken, not stirred - in 2021's No Time To Die, becoming the first Bond to be killed on screen.

Conned, James conned! Amazing special effects behind the explosions, locations and death defying stunts in Bond films shows the camera DOES lie 

By  PAUL HARRIS FOR THE DAILY MAIL 

They are some of the most dramatic and memorable scenes in the history of James Bond movies.

But in the increasingly complex world of cinematography, not everything is quite what it seems.

From the spectacular image of a seven-storey building collapsing under 007’s feet, to the simple cameo of a mouse scurrying across a floor, the camera sometimes has to lie.

Crash! An explosion collapses a Mexico City building around 007, played by Daniel Craig in Spectre. Or rather, a stunt man runs for his life along a mock-up at Pinewood studios before a Craig’s head is plonked by computer on his shoulders. The mock-up took three months to build and the visual effects weeks to complete

Boom! MI6 headquarters in London goes up in flames in Skyfall. Or rather, a model at Pinewood studios does. Dame Judy Dench (‘M’ in the 2012 movie) was filmed on Vauxhall Bridge one quiet Sunday morning ‘reacting’ to the explosion. A model of the landmark building’s upper section was then blown up, using the exact camera angle and matching natural light before the images were superimposed

Oh no! Bond’s beautiful Aston Martin DB5 – almost a national treasure to car-lovers – is history. Except that it isn’t. A special effects team blew up an old BMW, then Begg’s visual effects for Skyfall layered a one-third scale miniature of the DB5 over the original film.

Steve Begg, special effects designer, with third scale miniature Aston Martin DB5 and (top) the same model exploded for Skyfall (2012) - as the film sees an explosion destroy James Bond's prized Aston Martin DB5

Now – for your eyes only, as the secret agent might put it – the man who made the impossible imaginable for countless Bond aficionados reveals the trickery behind some of those shots.

Visual effects maestro Steve Begg, who helped to blow up MI6 headquarters in London, caused outrage when he sunk a Venetian palazzo into the Grand Canal and drew criticism for destroying Bond’s beloved Aston Martin DB5, recently won a prestigious industry award that recognised his ‘exceptional artistry’.

Unlike other artists, however, the greatest compliment anyone can pay is that they didn’t notice his work. Now these before-and-after pictures of scenes that feature explosions, aircraft crashes (not forgetting the little mouse) reveal the truth behind the deceptions.

‘I’m entertaining people by misleading them,’ he told the Daily Mail. ‘The more successfully I mislead them, the better I’ve done my job.’

Mr Begg, 56, grew up watching children’s TV programmes such as Thunderbirds and Terrahawks. He later fulfilled a dream to work with their celebrated creator Gerry Anderson. 

Begg describes that apprenticeship as ‘a masterclass in blowing things up in miniature’ – perfect grounding for his graduation to Bond films.

Bang! The evil Blofeld’s desert lair is destroyed in the film industry’s biggest explosion - using 70 tons of TNT explosives, created by special effects supervisor Chris Corbould for Spectre. But the buldings existed only through computer trickery, and the only real structure in the otherwise desolate landscape was a door frame and some stage-marks for the actors

Yikes! A helicopter spirals perilously overhead in a chase filmed for Spectre. The aircraft was real and the pilot did actually perform the death-defying corkscrew manoeuvre. But not over crowds in Mexico City, which are the shots that feature in the 2015 film. Authorities banned the stunt so it was filmed 100 miles away over an old aerodrome in the jungle. Then the jungle was ‘removed’ and crowd scenes substituted as the backdrop 

In real life a helicopter films stunt flying 100 miles south of Mexico City (bottom) over an aerodrome. In Spectre (top) the scenes are created to look like flying above crowded Mexico City with the help of special effects

Splat! Another helicopter ploughs into a mansion in Skyfall and bursts into flames. This could be very expensive, even for a Bond film budget. Until, that is, you gauge the true dimensions by the chap on the right of the picture. The aircraft and building were large scale replicas; the film was superimposed on the explosion

Splash! An elegant Venetian palace crumbles and plunges into the Grand Canal for the 2006 version of Casino Royale. The real building (still intact, incidentally) was filmed from the opposite bank. Scrupulous measurements were taken to recreate the scene back at Pinewood, where a 90-ton model was collapsed into a tank. Visual effects then slotted the mocked-up palace back into the waterscape

Eek! Much of the famous Parkour-style chase for Casino Royale was filmed live with stunt men. But Daniel Craig’s high-speed ascent on a crane hook was created by superimposing his image on that of a stunt man before the background was added on screen

Crunch! The spectacular train chase in Skyfall was one of the film’s highlights, and a triumph for special effects. But Health and Safety considerations (yes – even in Bond films) meant visual effects had to create the crunching and clawing of a mechanical digger ripping off the back end of a carriage from under Bond’s feet

Some of his most convincing effects rely heavily on good old-fashioned models. So when the DB5 goes up in flames, fear not. It’s only a mock-up the size of a pedal-car.

Increasingly, however, his cinematic deception has come to involve the use of computer generated images (CGI). The evil Blofeld’s desert headquarters in Spectre, for example, is actually just a barren swathe of Moroccan wilderness. The buildings are simply images created nowhere more exotic than Pinewood.

And the mouse? ‘Most people assume when they see a building collapsing that it must be CGI , he said. ‘But not a little mouse running around. I’m very proud of that mouse.’

Top - James Bond (right) with Bond girl Madeleine (Léa Seydoux) as they watch the demise of Blofeld's base - filmed in Erfoud , Morocco. Bottom - The 24th Bond film features the largest film detonation of all time, with 70 tonnes of TNT used. The explosion lasted 7.5 seconds

Left: Final film sees a full background of buildings. Right: Special effects later add the street scene behind using green screen filming as Bérénice Marlohe walks (second left) with Daniel Craig as James Bond through a set designed as the lair of Silva (played by Javier Bardem)

(Oh)! Hugely expensive-looking buildings and backdrops feature in many Bond films. Or do they? The grand lair of Bond’s enemy Raoul Silva in Skyfall owes most of its magnificence to mock-ups enhanced by Steve Begg’s visual effects, as do some of the street scenes

Squeak! This mouse becomes a star of Spectre when it scurries through a hole in a wall to reveal the villainous Silva’s secret hideaway. The options were to shoot countless takes using a real mouse (no doubt risking the wrath of the National Union if Miceworkers); or to make one. The intricately detailed CGI version, subsequently clothed in fur and animated, was startlingly realistic

Skyfall (2012) - Daniel Craig (left) lured into the 'not so grand' lair of villain Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem, right) as special effects give the impression of a towering hall