Actor Joe Cole from 'Peaky Blinders' moves up bookies' favourites to become next James Bond

The 'Peaky Blinders' BBC/Netflix TV series has became a fast household name. The popularity of the story and its cast has grown immensely over the years and is recognised in many corners of the world. Lead actor Cillian Murphy was penned a strong contender for taking on the legendary role, James Bond, after Daniel Craig hung up his suit and tie. But, suddenly, another 'Peaky Blinders' name has taken the spotlight - that of Joe Cole.

Photo: BBC

After leaving the 'Peaky Blinders' series, he stated in an interview that it was 'Cillian's show' and he went on to other projects. Recently, however, a spokesperson for Ladbrokes told Express Online: "The odds suggest that Joe Cole might soon be swapping Harry Palmer’s trenchcoat and glasses for James Bond’s tuxedo. That move also means there's an increasing chance the next 007 will have links to Peaky Binders, with no less than three stars of the hit BBC show now attracting interest from punters."

Photo: BBC

Until recently, Tom Hardy has been the leading contender to don Bond's tuxedo. It could be said he is simply one of the best actors in the world and, without doubt, in cinematic history. He can play any character, with any accent, so it stands to reason that he could convincingly play Bond, James Bond.

Henry Cavill is not the most charismatic actor on this list, but he does have the good looks and build to play a man that has been both idealised and desired. Given that he has played Superman and has appeared in 'Mission Impossible, Cavill is a sure bet for carrying a huge franchise.

It seems that this 'Bridgerton' actor is maintaining his name as the hot favourite, with bookies everywhere suggesting he is almost guaranteed the role. If this proves to be case, he won’t find it difficult to exchange one aristocratic, urbane character for another.

In 2018, the British actor tweeted that he was ‘Elba. Idris Elba’, letting us know that he was putting his hat into the ring. On top of that, he is an award-winning, accomplished actor, who can only benefit the franchise. The only drawback would be his age, a fact compounded by the long filming run of every new Bond iteration.

Jamie Dornan wouldn't be the first Irishman to play 007, and like his predecessor Pierce Brosnan, he known for being a heartthrob. His lilting Irish accent would fit the role perfectly, and his box office cache would guarantee big returns for the producers.

Playing Bond is a young man's game, and this is where Golding has the advantage. And despite his relative youth, he has consistently shown his acting chops and debonair qualities, from 'Crazy Rich Asians' to the critically acclaimed 'Monsoon'. It would also be interesting to cast the first actor of Asian descent in the role.

Heughan shares two things with Sean Connery, the original James Bond – he is Scottish, and he has appeared in 'Outlander', while Connery is famous for sci-fi hit 'Outland'. He has publicly canvassed for the role, so his enthusiasm is a definite point in his favour given that Daniel Craig has become increasingly weary of being on her Majesty´s secret service.

The Irishman is not an obvious choice for this role, but it is exactly his rough around the edges demeanour that would make him a spiritual successor to Craig's version of James Bond. And because he is not as famous, it would make it easier for us to see him as a secret agent and not just some superstar moonlighting as 007.

The world was shocked when Daniel Craig was cast as a blonde James Bond, so could another be upset be on the cards with the casting of Tom Holland? A significantly younger 007 would keep the series in its reboot arc, while the audience could experience the difficult childhood that has been hinted at in several movies.

Richard Madden was a relative unknown, but now his star is very much in the ascendant. His physical acting and his role as a traumatized war veteran in 'Bodyguard' mean that he could help bring some of Bond's own emotional hang-ups to the screen, creating a more human and three-dimensional character in the process.

Coming out of nowhere, Hiddleston's turn in the 'Night Manager' caused a collective realisation that he could actually play James Bond. After starring as Loki in multiple Marvel movies, it is clear that the actor can bring humour and emotional depth to the 007 role.

The soft-spoken Irishman is not as bulky as Daniel Craig, but he has proven in 'Peaky Blinders' that he can play a tough, uncompromising character, and just like Bond, he looks good in a suit. He is the perfect blend of elegance and violence.

The German football coach is clearly not an actor, but Daniel Craig, a well-known Liverpool supporter, tipped the Reds boss to be the next 007. So, despite lacking any real film credits, the recommendation of the outgoing James Bond must be worth something. At the very least, his maniacal laugh could have him cast as Bond's nemesis.