Tom Hiddleston James Bond Talks Confirmed?

BeforeSpectrehit theaters last November, most assumed that it would beDaniel Craig’s last turn as James Bond. Eon Productions has never confirmed thatDaniel Craigis leaving the franchise, but the actor has made a number of controversial remarks regarding this iconic character, and earlier this year, the actor’s longtime friendMark Strongeven revealed that he thinksDaniel Craighas sipped his last vodka martini as the British super-spy. While we still don’t have confirmation aboutDaniel Craig’s franchise departure, Eon Productions may have already found a replacement, with a new report claiming the production company is in talks withTom Hiddlestonto take over as 007 inJames Bond 25.

Tom Hiddlestonhas been one of several actors who have expressed their interest in taking over as 007, shouldDaniel Craigwalk away from the franchise.Idris Elbahas become a fan favorite choice, whileHomelandstarDamian Lewishas also emerged as a contender over the past few months. And just yesterday, it was rumored thatFantastic FourstarJamie Bellwas meeting with producers. EvenJillian Andersonhas thrown her name in the ring as a contender for the firstfemale James Bond. However, no candidate has as much buzz asTom Hiddleston, with a British bookmaker proclaiming him as the favorite, with 2-to-1 odds on the actor landing the role. Today’s report fromBirth.Movies.Deathreveals thatTom Hiddlestonis in “advanced talks” for the 007 role, but the site notes that an official offer has not been made quite yet.

The site claims that, while it’s possibleDaniel Craighas in fact officially left the franchise, it’s also plausible that these talks withTom Hiddlestonare taking place, to produce a response fromDaniel Craig. Earlier this month, two conflicting reports surfaced on the same day, with one claiming that the actor had turned down a whopping $100 million offer to return for two more movies, which includes endorsements, profit shares, and a co-producer credit. The other report claimed that the actor has yet to make up his mind whether or not to return as007.

This report also reveals that, ifTom Hiddlestonis in fact cast, he would be the first actor to share the same educational background as both the fictional character, and its creator,Ian Fleming. BothTom HiddlestonandIan Flemingattended Eton College, and it’s established in the author’s novels that James Bond himself is an Eton alum.Tom Hiddlestonalso recently starred in the AMC mini-seriesThe Night Manager, which is set in the spy world.

Even ifTom Hiddlestondoes come aboard as 007 forJames Bond 25, there are still several unanswered questions about the movie. For one, Sony’s distribution deal with Eon Productions expired after the release ofSpectre, with both Sony and Warner Bros. vying for the franchise’s distribution rights. It also isn’t known if directorSam Mendeswill be back to direct his third Bond movie, afterSkyfallandSpectre, but we’ll have to wait and see. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this 007 casting saga.