Since the first James Bond film “Dr. No” hit the big screen in 1962, the character has become an icon in the world of cinema. With the departure of Daniel Craig, the role of the legendary British spy is now up for grabs. As speculation grows over who will inherit the mantle of 007, we’ve analyzed various actors and their potential to fill the shoes of Bond, assigning probabilities to each.

1. Richard Madden (35%)

Richard Madden, best known for his roles in “Game of Thrones” and “Bodyguard,” is currently the frontrunner to take on the role of James Bond. The talented Scottish actor possesses the charm, suave demeanor, and physicality that the character demands. Having won a Golden Globe for his work in “Bodyguard,” Madden has proven his ability to portray a complex and intriguing secret agent. With his career on the rise, it’s no surprise that he tops the list with a 35% probability.

2. Tom Hardy (25%)

Tom Hardy, a versatile actor with a range of notable performances under his belt, has long been considered a contender for the James Bond role. His roles in “Inception,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “Venom” showcase his ability to handle physically demanding parts, while his performance in “Legend” demonstrates his acting prowess. Hardy brings a level of intensity and depth to his characters that could prove captivating in the Bond universe. We give him a 25% probability of becoming the next 007.

3. Idris Elba (20%)

Idris Elba, a fan-favorite choice, has been linked to the role of James Bond for years. The British actor has a strong screen presence and charisma, as evidenced by his performances in “Luther,” “The Wire,” and the “Thor” franchise. As an established and respected actor, Elba would bring both gravitas and a fresh perspective to the role. Despite some concerns that he may be deemed too old for the part, Elba remains a strong contender with a 20% probability.

4. Rege-Jean Page (10%)

Rege-Jean Page, a breakout star from the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” has seen his popularity skyrocket in recent years. Possessing undeniable charm and a suave demeanor, Page could easily step into the role of the debonair spy. Though he may lack the action film experience of some of his competitors, his rapid rise to fame and fresh approach to the character make him a compelling choice. We assign Page a 10% probability of becoming the next James Bond.

5. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (5%)

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a talented actor with a wide range of roles in his filmography, including “Kick-Ass,” “Nowhere Boy,” and “Nocturnal Animals.” His versatility and experience in action films make him an interesting choice for the role of James Bond. However, he may face strong competition from the other contenders previously mentioned. We give Taylor-Johnson a 5% probability of landing the role.

6. Lucien Laviscount (3%)

Lucien Laviscount, known for his work in “Waterloo Road” and “Emily in Paris” is a rising star in the entertainment industry. Although he possesses the charm and charisma needed for the role of James Bond, he may be seen as a less experienced candidate compared to other contenders. Moreover, he has not yet had a chance to prove himself in a major action role. We assign Laviscount a 3% probability of becoming the next 007.

With several strong contenders vying for the iconic role, the future of the James Bond franchise remains uncertain. Each of the actors listed brings their unique talents and characteristics to the table, ensuring that whoever is chosen will likely leave their distinct mark on the character. As the speculation continues, fans eagerly await the announcement of the next James Bond – a decision that will undoubtedly shape the future of the series.