Damian Lewis is the favourite to play the next James Bond. What do you think?

[MitzyLeFrouf]

I know most secret agents probably look like John Major but I do think the fictional ones at least should be suave and sophisticated. Damian Lewis looks as though he should be working for the council, in charge of assigning allotments or something equally as dangerous.

I just can’t imagine him arse kicking and seducing his way across the world in pursuit of the baddies. He looks as though he'd stop mid scrap to tell the villains that his bad hip was at him and could they please reschedule.

Are you a fan of the smug mouthed one?

Moln

Managed to avoid Luther so far ... however, the Lurking household is always on the lookout for new distractions (currently just finished S1 of Mad Men).

Just to clarify, in my mind, the "menace" Bond should have, is an air of menace. Not a Schwarznegger-type in-your-face overpowering one. Much more subtle and nuanced. Because that's when the character works the best (IMHO).

Bond is very much a creation of Ian Fleming. Ian Fleming was very much a creation of the English upper classes. So his take on Bond from that perspective - a world where spies are gentlemen, and the whole business kept a bit boys-own to avoid being seen as "trade". Remember, Bond is an officer.

(Fascinating to compare with the Harry Palmer view).

Just remembered the Homeland scene where Brody turns and kills Walker out of the blue ... maybe Lewis could pull it off after all ???????

I love Damian Lewis, but he is no Bond.

On the other hand... I could get used to it.

I have seen DL play good guys, goofy guys and evil guys. He can kick arse, and is quite fast on his bike (well, was some years ago).

Tell you what, I'd love to see Helen McCrory as M...

Ralph Fiennes is M now isn't he? If anyone else tries to muscle in on that role I'll be most displeased!

Of course, part of the Bond appeal would be a lesser-known actor (as Connery was). On that score DL is out of the running.

Ah, well OK I've not seen much of either Homeland nor Wolf Hall so perhaps I need to retract my comment about Damien.

Bond definitely need an air of menace yes (that's what I meant about having a presence), Bond went to a public school in Scotland didn't he (same on as Prince Charles).

Personally I don't like Bond played as a smoothly good looking man (Hollywood handsome) who is all smooth with the simpering ladies. He should be rugged, single mindly ambitious and treat women as equal and not so she had sex with him (but it's all good if she does)

You've all just missed Damien Lewis on Channel 4 doing a trophy presentation at Royal Ascot. He's sporting some impressive looking whiskers

Pictures of DL at Ascot on Daily Mail website here

Damian looks more Phileas Fogg than Bond there.

It's needs to be idris Elba - he would be awesome it would be the first time id willingly watch bond.
Second choice would be Tom Hardy I think he's great but Idris has the suaveness of bond.
Damian Lewis is not Bond material at all.

I don't see it. He's too obvious and it would really narrow down his choices of "serious films".

James McAvoy - 36 yrs 5ft 7 - outside choice

Tom Hardy - 37 5ft 9. Could work v well.

Cillian Murphy - 39. 5ft 9 My money is on him. Not that I've placed a bet. He can do downright threatening v well and is young enough to do the franchise for the next 15 yrs. Each film seems to take about 3 yrs so it's a 10 yr gig really so 35 seems an optimum age to take it on.

Love him as an actor, but he's not Bond for me. Idris Elba would be much more believable.

Damian Lewis?? The one with the tiny, smug mouth? Yuck.

I am glad I don't watch Bond films.

Though I might start if dreamy Idris Elba were cast. That man is FINE.

Cillian Murphy is a good suggestion, he does cold eyed menacing very well. The allure of Idris is very strong though..........

Who said Clive Owen? That's inspired. Aaaahhhhh, lovely Clive

Mark Strong is a good one, he can menace me any day of the week. I think Clive Owen is too old now, alas. Cillian Murphy is a bit boyish?

Ladies, I give you Rupert Penry Jones. That man is the Bond for my money.

NOOOOOO.

He is Bond-lite. Better suited to Biggles.

Idris is v hot. Have to admit I have never seen him in anything though.

David Oyelowo is fab too. Loved him in Spooks and he's been in some amazing films since.

Matthew Macfadyen - another ex "Spook" Right age and height and interesting acting pedigree. Not a big USA profile though.

Tom Burke would be an interesting choice. Fab with a beard, without not so much imo

The only problem for Mark Strong is his baldness, I bet Hollywood execs would be reluctant to cast a bald Bond.

Rupert is rather bliss. Looks v like Craig in that picture though?

I think Helen McCrory to follow Ralph Fiennes is an excellent choice though. I could see her "sending a man to his death"

Bond is supposed to have "dark, rather cruel" looks and be late 30s...in the books, he's actually rather unpleasant in many ways, quite happy to hit a largely innocent but naive woman, for example, without compunction if he thinks it will get him the information he requires.

Damien Lewis doesn't fit for me, Daniel Craig does a good job the hair notwithstanding ;-) Michael fassbender has potential...

Wasn't McCrory in the last Bond film? I seem to remember her in the shootout court room scene.