The identity of the next holder of the licence to kill is, however, not quite so certain, with the bookies having to reach for their calculators and do fresh sums every time a British actor with a pulse and a penchant for a tuxedo speaks out about the role, or is spotted having a chat with the 007 producers, or appears in an action film, or leaves the house looking dashing.
All the latest talk is of Tom Hardy, following his explosive role in TV drama ‘Taboo’, and having the good manners to answer questions about 007 when pressed by journalists.
Tom explained this week to the Daily Beast, “You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race.”
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Tom Hardy doesn't want to talk himself out of a job
Jonathan Brady/PA Archive
However, he didn’t exactly dismiss the idea, either, praising everyone involved in recent efforts - director Sam Mendes “impressive” - star Daniel Craig “so good” - producer Barbara Broccoli “impressive”. Etc etc.
Despite his discreet effusiveness, Tom’s odds may have shot up the bookies’ chart, but he’s still not numero uno as far as they concerned.
That plinth currently belongs to James Norton, on odds of 2/1, whose star has flown high in 2016 with the triple whammy of ‘War and Peace’ (melancholic warrior), ‘Happy Valley’ (brooding psychopath) and ‘Grantchester’ (a man with his robust and independent moral compass). You can see why he’s so favoured.
Coming up behind him - ‘Poldark’ star Aidan Turner at 3/1. No explanation needed.
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Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images
Tom Hiddleston, a former bookies’ certainty, remains in the running, with odds ranging between 6/1 and 9/1.
A surprise entry in the top five front-runners is Jack Huston (recently of the ‘Ben-Hur’ remake), alongside Idris Elba and Ryan Gosling.
If you fancy an outside flutter, former One Direction alumnus Louis Tomlinson is on the list at 100/1, as is Tom Cruise at 80/1, David Walliams at 200/1 and Ainsley Harriot at 500/1. Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn share odds of 1000/1 - but hey, an outsider very occasionally comes in.
Once again, for my money, Tom Hughes... that’s all I’m saying. Or...
The Next James Bond Is One Of These...
Damian Lewis(01 of14)
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The first red-headed James Bond?
Idris Elba(02 of14)
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So many people have asked him about it, Idris will no longer discuss the subject. But while Pierce Brosnan remarked Bond boss Barbara Broccoli wouldn't be happy with a Black Bond, she told HuffPostUK, "I don't know what Pierce is talking about."
Tom Hardy(03 of14)
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Arguably too rugged for the corridors of Westminster where James Bond has to defend his actions, but very, very popular.
Chiwetel Ejiofor(04 of14)
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Another actor who's been asked so many times, now he just smiles when asked.
Tom Hiddleston(05 of14)
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If pouting were all that is required, Tom Hiddleston would go straight to Vauxhall Bridge.
Clive Owen(06 of14)
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Has proved he has the required steeliness in any number of big screen roles, but success Stateside might make him no longer willing to commit.
Douglas Booth(07 of14)
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No gun or martial arts skills required, he can just look at them, and wait for submission.
John Boyega(08 of14)
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What the 'Star Wars' star may lack in stature, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and appeal. Although the Bond villains might just want to cuddle him.
Taron Egerton(09 of14)
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Proved his action hero chops in 'Kingsman: Secret Service' and signing him now would mean Barbara Broccoli and co wouldn't have to worry again for at least a decade.
Michael Fassbender(10 of14)
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Like Pierce Brosnan, Irish charm could help the 'Steve Jobs' star int the role.
Sam Claflin(11 of14)
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The 'Hunger Games' star represents the best of British.
Tom Hughes(12 of14)
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Who, you ask? Set to play Prince Albert against Jenna Coleman in the forthcoming 'Victoria' TV series, Tom has already proven himself a master of espionage in 'The Game' and 'Page Eight', both on TV. When not if he gets the call, don't say we didn't give you the heads up...
Aidan Turner(13 of14)
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Aidan has made a legion of fans with his role of Ross Poldark, but it was his surprising turn in 'And Then There Were None' that really proved he could be enigmatic and dashing. (credit:PA)
Jeremy Clarkson(14 of14)
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... or alternatively, don't say we didn't warn you.