Tom Hardy Is Rumored To Be The Next James Bond, but He’s Already Played Some Iconic Roles in the Past

The James Bond film series has long been one of the most popular franchises in entertainment, and it now may be including Tom Hardy to its newest production. Beginning with Dr. No in 1962, the series has spanned several decades and continues to be a major draw for lovers of spy films. For the last 14 years, Daniel Craig has blessed the screen with acclaimed portrayals of the British superspy, but there may be another British actor in the fold to replace him. 

On Sept. 19, rumors began to circulate that Tom Hardy may be cast to replace Craig as the next James Bond. Originating from an unconfirmed reporty by The Vulcan Reporter, Hardy’s name quickly became a trending topic as fans discussed the possibility. Even though fans are still waiting for proof that Hardy has been cast as the next Bond, there’s no denying that Hardy would be great for the role; he’s a supremely talented actor that’s delivered some amazing performances in a bevy of great films. 

Tom Hardy played a shape-shifting impersonator in ‘Inception’

Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed science-fiction thriller Inception was one of the most popular movies of 2010. The star-studded film was anchored by an awesome cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, and Tom Berenger, among others. However, it was Tom Hardy’s performance that attracted the adulation of many viewers.

In the film, he plays Earnes, a witty forger who helps Cobb (DiCaprio) manipulate Fischer (Cillian Murphy) into dismantling his father’s company as he dreams. Full of wisecracks and one-liners, Earnes travels deep into the recesses of Fischer’s mind, impersonating the people closest to him. Hardy’s performance in the film earned him a BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2011.

He wounded Batman in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

In 2012 Hardy hooked up with director Christopher Nolan again, this time to play Batman’s archnemesis, Bane, in The Dark Knight Rises. In the third film of the Batman trilogy, he was cast opposite Chrisitan Bale as the primary antagonist.

This role was a big shift for Hardy, and he was required to completely alter his appearance. He shaved his head bald and put on 30 lbs to get a more imposing look, according to Men’s Health. With the weight gain and his iconic costume, viewers could hardly recognize him as he broke Batman’s back and had him shipped to the world’s most dangerous prison.

Hardy joined the Marvel universe as Venom

Staying in the superhero film realm, Hardy was cast as Venom in Marvel’s 2018 film of the same name. Based on the anti-hero’s appearance in Spider-Man 3, Venom was a parasite that attached itself to Eddie Brock, a journalist and the nemesis of Peter Parker.

Although Hardy’s performance was praised in Venom, reviews of the film were generally negative. Despite the film’s poor reception, it went on to gross over $800 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

The British actor owned the roads as Mad Max

Hardy delivered one of his most memorable performances in Mad Max: Fury Road. Released in 2015, The film chronicled the life of Mad Max, an escaped prisoner on the run in a post-apocalyptic world.

Fury Road was a massive success, receiving rave reviews for its action sequences, art direction, and Hardy’s performance. Regarded by some as one of the greatest action films ever, it earned 10 nominations at the 88th Academy Awards, winning six. 

Hardy embraced his inner savage in ‘The Revenant’

Also released in 2015, The Revenant was one of the biggest films of the year. The epic period film took a closer look at the lives of fur trappers in the 1800s and saw Hardy and DiCaprio sharing the screen once again. 

In the movie, Hardy plays John Fitzgerald, a trapper who deserts a wounded Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) and murders his son after Glass is mauled by a bear. Glass tracks Fitzgerald down and gets his revenge, passing Fitzgerald off to a group of angry natives from the Arikara tribe. Hardy’s performance in the film earned him his first Academy Award nomination.