Tom Hardy Gaining Popularity To Be The Next James Bond, Survey Says

Tom Hardy is gaining popularity in a survey by bookmakers, BoyleSports, asking respondents who to vote for as the next James Bond once Daniel Craig may relinquish the iconic role.

In a report by NME, the 37-year old is now among the frontrunners who may likely compete with most-voted contenders, Idris Elba and Damian Lewis.

The Next James Bond market has certainly come alive with all the support coming in for Tom Hardy, who is now 4/1 from 6/1 to take over from Daniel Craig," bookmakers BoyleSports spokesperson, Liam Glynn told Variety previously.

Hardy's recent increase in popularity is said to be influenced by 007 new author Anthony Horowitz who commented that Idris Elba is too 'street' for a smooth and clever, James Bond role, HNGN reported.

The author, later on, took back his words on Twitter saying that he 'clumsily' used the word to describe the British actor.

Clumsily, I chose the word 'street' as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have cause offense," the author shared on Twitter.

The Mad Max Fury actor is among other contenders like Henry Cavill, Michael Fassbender, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Dougray Scott, Rupert Friend, and Dominic West.

Earlier, Hugh Jackman is rumored to have been approached to replace Daniel Craig, UK Yahoo Movies said.

While promoting his movie 'Pan', the Australian actor revealed in an interview that Eon has eyed him for the role.

"I sort of have [been asked]. At the time I was just about to do X-Men 2 and I was like, 'Ah, I don't think it's the right time. "But it was not an easy one to give up," he said.

Rumors of finding a Daniel Craig replacement started when the 47-year old actor previously announced that he may not be coming back after the recent Bond franchise, Spectre.

"At this moment, no. I have a life and I've got to get on with it a bit. But we'll see," he previously told Esquire.