Which of these actors will make the ideal James Bond?

Idris Elba

Gadgets, martinis, drop-dead gorgeous women and menacing villains, all these make the heady concoction that is a Bond film. You can hate it or love it, but you can't ignore the grandeur that is intrinsic to the James Bond franchise.

However, the most important ingredient in this potent potion is agent 007 himself - a man in tux with a cold gaze and a hot bod.

Of all the Bonds on screen, Roger Moore brought to the table a unique charm and ability to deliver punch lines like none before him, Pierce Brosnan stepped in with a wit and magnetism that was unmatched in many ways.

And in recent times, Daniel Craig fit the part of the super stylish secret agent to a T. Now that he has announced his retirement, hunt is already on for his successor. With new speculations making headlines each week, we round up a few (un)usual suspects:

The urbane Bond
Gerard Butler: With that suavity and humour, Butler has given more hits at the box office than most of his contemporaries. His meteoric rise on the scene has been attributed to him being a regular contender in the never ending ‘who will be the next James Bond' debate, and rightfully so. With movies like RocknRolla and 300 in his kitty, one can assume that the actor would do justice to the inheritance even though he has been lying low for a while now.

The Connery-like Bond
Michael Fassbender: He is definitely a hot favourite for this role. Critics have even gone a step further to say that he carries a certain Sean Connery feel to him, and while the actor is obviously flattered at the comparison, it remains to be seen if he can fill the shoes with the flair and ease that Connery had back in the day. Knowing Fassbender's penchant for taking up challenging roles and adding his own twist, he might give Bond a makeover of sorts.

The betting man's Bond
Tom Hardy: Hardy undoubtedly has truck loads of sex appeal. Also, he has effortlessly proved that he has what it takes to play a lean mean machine in Mad Max: Fury Road earlier this year. In fact, if reports are to be believed, Hardy is getting maximum support with the betting odds leaning mostly in his favour. He is not only the bookies' favourite, but also 0f the appropriate age.

The star-powered Bond
Henry Cavill: He has played several dangerous and interesting roles, both qualities characteristic of the inimitable Bond. There are several reasons why Cavill could pull off the role with ease. One, he has to his credit other spy roles that he's played with elegance, read: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Two, at 32 he seems to be both comfortable and confident on screen. And three, those killer good looks.

The unconventional Bond
Tom Hiddleston: What goes against the likes of Fassbender and Hiddleston is that they're too successful and too well known already. But one can always hope. With his exceptional sense of humour and striking screen presence, Hiddleston could be an interesting replacement in the franchise. Loki as Bond would be quite a treat. Also, let's not forget, the actor will bring him that much-needed British charm.

The mass favourite Bond
Damian Lewis: Lewis has repeatedly topped several ‘the next Bond' polls. In fact, he could just be the dark horse on this list. With his unconventional looks and striking performance as lead in Homeland to back him up, Lewis definitely has what it takes. If Craig brought to the table a gruffness that is unmatched, Lewis could bring a certain poetic and calculative element.