Next James Bond: Henry Cavill would ‘love’ to play 007 and says casting decision still ‘up in the air’

Actor’s comments come amid rumours that Tom Hardy is set to replace Daniel Craig

Man of Steel star Henry Cavill has suggested he is eager to replace Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond.

A recent rumour had suggested that Tom Hardy would be stepping into 007’s shoes, although nothing has been officially confirmed.

Speaking to GQ, Cavill seemed to suggest the role of Craig’s successor was still vacant, and put forward his own name for consideration.

“If [Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and co-producer Michael G. Wilson] were interested in that, I would absolutely jump at the opportunity,” he said.

“At this stage, it’s all up in the air. We’ll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.”

While Cavill and Hardy are often cited as frontrunners to portray the super-spy, the franchise has repeatedly faced calls to re-cast Bond with a non-white or female actor.

The Wire star Idris Elba is one of the other names that has been most linked with the role.

Craig’s final outing as Bond, No Time to Die, is scheduled to release on 12 November 2020, having been  delayed by around half a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cavill (left) in the 2018 blockbuster 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' (Chiabella James)

As well as Craig, No Time to Die features Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek, Captain Marvel’s Lashana Lynch, as well as returning Bond players Christoph Waltz, Ben Wishaw and Léa Seydoux.