James Bond: Ian Fleming’s great-niece backs ‘awesome, sexy’ WHO to replace Daniel Craig?

The incumbent James Bond is busy shooting his fifth – and supposedly final – 007 movie. But speculation has been rife over just who will replace Craig. Now Bond creator Ian Fleming’s great-niece Hermione has weighed in on the debate. Speaking with Hello!, the 29-year-old fashion PR backed three of the bookies’ favourites. She said: “Idris Elba would make an awesome, sexy, bad-ass Bond.”

Hermione added: “So would Richard Madden from the Bodyguard and Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders.”

Meanwhile, she’s not a fan of calls for a female Bond to replace Craig, despite the star’s backing.

She said: “I’m not convinced a female Bond would work. My great-uncle created Bond as a man.

“Yet bringing into the mix a similar character to the ruthless assassin, Villanelle in Killing Eve, would be fun.”

Meanwhile, Madden has spoken out on rumours that him replacing Craig is a “done deal”.

The 32-year-old was quizzed on being the next Bond at Rocketman’s press conference in Cannes.

Despite the encouragement from Elton John co-star Taron Egerton next to him, a bashful Madden was adamant it was nothing but speculation.

He said: “It’s very flattering to be involved in that conversation at all.”

Madden added: “But it’s all just talk and I’m sure next week it’ll be someone different.”

Madden has given similar answers before and it shouldn’t be that surprising.

After all, Craig is currently shooting his fifth and final Bond movie for an April 2020 release date, so his replacement is hardly a priority right now.

Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas on April 3, 2020.