Rumor: Tom Hiddleston in Talks To Be James Bond

After the grim specter that was SPECTRE, the last and most dour James Bond film to date, it looked as though the end might have come for Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007. The movie not only gave his character a solid conclusion but throughout the whole press junket process, it seemed as though Daniel Craig was simply over it. And so the rumor mill began spinning until finally it wound up here, today, with Avengers star Tom Hiddleston reportedly in serious talks to play James Bond in his 25th (official) feature film.

It’s an intriguing option for the producers of the series. Tom Hiddleston is a popular figure after playing the duplicitous Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he may just bring some of that rakish, dastardly charm to the character after Daniel Craig’s comparatively brutish rendition of James Bond. 

Also: 4 Non Bonds: Our Favorite James Bond Knockoffs

Although this news is bound to come as a disappointment to the many fans who had hoped that the part might finally go to an actor of color, like fan favorite Idris Elba, or even a woman for once. Even so, it’s important to remember that lots of significant actors have been in serious talks to play James Bond before, and a lot of the time it simply didn’t work out. (Don’t believe me? Check out the slideshow below.)

If Tom Hiddleston winds up playing James Bond in Bond 25, we wish him the best of luck. It’s not necessarily a role that brings most actors a lot of success afterward, but maybe his success with The Avengers will preclude that sort of old-fashioned Hollywood curse.

12 Actors Who Were ALMOST James Bond:

Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

William Bibbiani (everyone calls him ‘Bibbs’) is Crave’s film content editor and critic. You can hear him every week on The B-Movies Podcast and Canceled Too Soon, and watch him on the weekly YouTube series Most Craved, Rapid Reviews and What the Flick. Follow his rantings on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani.