The twenty fifth film in the global blockbuster franchise, James Bond, tentatively titled Bond 25 will see Daniel Craig in the role for the fifth and final time after making his debut in Casino Royale in 2006 and following it up with Quantum of Solace in 2008, Skyfall in 2012 and Spectre in 2015.

Daniel Craig in James Bond

With production on Bond 25 set to begin soon in light of the announced April 8, 2020 release date, the upcoming spy film will be directed by True Detective fame Cary Joji Fukunaga and is being produced by Eon Productions in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Universal Pictures.

Daniel Craig in James Bond

Meanwhile, with Daniel Craig set to step down from the role of the fictional British spy, there has been considerable debate as to who will be stepping into his shoes to become the next James Bond with six prominent names in Hollywood now emerging as prime contenders:

James Bond 007 Logo

1) IDRIS ELBA - Known predominantly for his roles in Thor trilogy, Avengers films, Star Trek Beyond and The Dark Tower.

<a href=Idris Elba" src="https://d1ydle56j7f53e.cloudfront.net/assets/general-images/1552907188.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 414px;" />

2) CILLIAN MURPHY - Played Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Dunkirk.

Cillian Murphy

3) TOM HARDY - Popular films are Inception, The Dark Knight RisesThe Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Venom.

<a href=Tom Hardy" src="https://d1ydle56j7f53e.cloudfront.net/assets/general-images/1552907315.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" />

4) TOM HIDDLESTON - Most popular role is Loki in Thor trilogy and Avengers films, Crimson Peak and Kong: Skull Island.

Tom Hiddleston

5) RICHARD MADDEN - Known for Game of Thrones, Bodyguard and will be seen next in the film, Rocketman.

<a href=Richard Madden" src="https://d1ydle56j7f53e.cloudfront.net/assets/general-images/1552907393.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 379px;" />

6) JAMES NORTON - His roles include the film Flatliners and as the lead in TV shows, Grantchester and McMafia

James Norton

It now remains to be seen whether EON Productions go on to zero in on any of the above actors or a completely different star to play the British spy, James Bond, in Bond 26, after Daniel Craig bids a final farewell next year. 

Daniel Craig