Next James Bond: Henry Cavill on track to overtake Tom Hardy in 007 race

A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.

There’s a freedom to being done with a film franchise. We’ve seen quite a few instances where actors are finished with a big franchise and decide to actually open up quite a bit about the behind-the-scenes goings-on.

Cliche aside, time flies. It’s hard to believe how much Daniel Craig’s James Bond tenure has popped up over my career as a journalist.

As we officially enter 2022 and a world where there is currently no one in the role of James Bond, considering Daniel Craig’s recent “No Time to Die” marks the end of his run as the character, fans of the spy franchise are busy speculating about who will take over the 007 mantle. But for now, let’s take a trip back to the pre-Craig era and learn about an acclaimed actor who actually talked about taking on the Bond role but it didn’t end up working out—Ralph Fiennes.

While it might not be as well-known as some of its U.S. counterparts—and one suspects this will change when the whole series is bingeable on Netflix soon— the BBC’s “Peaky Blinders” is immensely popular across the pond and globally.

Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the producer/caretakers of the James Bond movie franchise including this year’s No Time to Die, and its star Daniel Craig were among the entertainment and media figures recognized Friday on the UK’s New Year’s Honours List.

Put your kids to bed with a story read by Tom Hardy.

Naomie Harris already knows who she would like to see step into her shoes to take on the iconic role of Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise.

Naomie Harris is opening up about the future of James Bond!

It's that time of year where we fire up Love Actually and get the Christmas drinks on the go.The feel good film has an A list cast and it has been a total Christmas classic since its 2003 release. And one of the main storylines in the film centres around Harry (Alan Rickman) cheating on his wife Karen (Emma Thompson), which has us reaching for the tissues each time.

Daniel Craig recently stepped down from playing James Bond after his fifth and final movie, No Time To Die, was released this September, cementing the end of his 007 journey. Beyond the story of Craig's 007, a lot of actors are in the running to take over, including Golding, who is best known for playing Nick Young in Crazy Rich Asians.

Tom Hardy will sooth youngsters to sleep across the land this festive season as he, once again makes a guest appearance on CBeebies.

Henry Cavill is opening up about the rumors of him portraying James Bond in an upcoming movie.

James Bond in the franchise.The Witcher actor has been entertaining rumours around playing 007 since it was announced that Daniel Craig would be stepping down from the role following this year’s No Time To Die.“If Barbara [Bond producer Barbara Broccoli] and Mike [co-producer Michael G. Wilson] were interested in that, I would absolutely jump at the opportunity,” he told GQ in 2020.“At this stage, it’s all up in the air.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR NO TIME TO DIE AHEAD. He may only have starred in five James Bond movies, two less than Sir Roger Moore, but no one has held the role of 007 as long as Daniel Craig's 15 year tenure.