The world is in constant debate over who should play the next James Bond. Whether it be the dark seriousness ofDaniel Craigor the fun wit ofRoger Moore, every actor’s tenure as Bond comes with a different and distinct flavor. But the style and quality of a 007 film isn’t just influenced by the man in the sharp tux driving the Aston Martin; the films are also impacted by their supporting cast, directors, and, of course, the villains. One of the most iconic rogues galleries in cinema, Bond villains are a badge of honor for actors in much the same way that James Bond himself is, with some of Hollywood’s most iconic performers battling 007 throughout the years.
From classic criminal masterminds like Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) to the twisted ex-agents like Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean),Bond villains aren’t just memorable but diverse, allowing a multitude of different actors to embody new and exciting concepts in every film. Countless talented actors, both established and upcoming, could represent vastly different but equally exciting enemies for 007 to take in the future. So no matter who shocks the world and is chosen to play the next James Bond, expect his list of enemies to be just as, if not more exciting.These actors would all be perfect to antagonize Bond in a future movie; frankly, it’s surprising some of these haven’t done it already.
10Tom Hanks
Most Recently Seen in ‘A Man Called Otto’ (2023)
At first glance,two-time Oscar winnerTom Hanksmay seem like the complete opposite of what would make a compelling and threatening Bond villain. When not an outright heroic protagonist in films likeSaving Private Ryan, Hanks is best known for trustworthy, loveable roles like Forrest Gump, Mr. Rogers, and even Walt Disney. The warmth and safety Hanks brings to this latter type of character make it the perfect foundation from which the actor could build a memorable and subversive Bond villain.
Both in real life and Hank’s portrayal inSaving Mr. Banks, Walt Disney has a finely crafted and maintained public image. In the world of Bond, a character utilizing a similarly controlled public identity to hide ulterior motives could make for an amazingly unnerving and creepy villain capable of gaining and abusing public trust. Films such asThe CircleandElvishave explored Hanks’ability to abuse his charm for manipulation and personal gain, but giving him the opportunity to dive head first into the role of an eerie scheming magnate would be a great way to fully subvert audiences' expectations.
A Man Called Otto
9Colman Domingo
Most Recently Seen in ‘Sing Sing’ (2024)
Appearing in critically acclaimed projects such asSelmaandZola,Oscar nomineeColman Domingohas been slowly but steadily rising in the eyes of critics and audiences for years now and has shown a depth of range and complexity as a character actor rivaled by very few.The best showcase of how Domingo may operate in the world of 007, however, may be one of his first breakout roles asFear The Walking Dead’s primary antagonist, Victor Strand.
Growing from a scheming conman to an outright militaristic dictator over throughout the series,Domingo’s Strand showcases the ambition, ruthlessness, and commanding presenceto stand next to even the most threatening Bond villains. Additionally, in the character’s relationship withFear The Walking Deadseries protagonist Alicia Clark (Alycia Debnam-Carey), Domingo showcases his ability to providehumanizing and relatable aspects to villainous characters.
8Cillian Murphy
Most Recently Seen in ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)
While certain Bond villains stand apart from traditional mad scientists, there isno rule that mad scientists have to be traditional. If the next 007 film is to go that route, there is hardly a better option for a demented genius than the current reigning best actor winner,Cillian Murphy. The unhinged Scarecrow/Jonathan Crane inChristopher Nolan’sDark Knight Trilogyshowcaseshow fun and creepy an all-out mad scientist played by Murphy could be. Meanwhile, the acclaimed role of Tommy Shelby inPeaky Blindersshowcases how well the actor can portray the leader of a villainous organization or cabal.
Perhaps the best route for a Cillian Murphy Bond villain to take would be to channel the classical stoic genius of a character like Dr. Robert J. Oppenheimer and twist it ever so slightly.Oppenheimerdoes an excellent job of presenting a debate about whether its titular character’s ends justify his means and as to what element the characters' pride, self-confidence, and ego played into the horrific events he helped create. It’s a role that rightfully earned Murphy an Oscar and could also provide an amazing outline for an intellectual genius Bond villain.
Oppenheimer
7Emily Blunt
Most Recently Seen in ‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)
While there will always be a place for the seductress femme-fatale Bond girl, more complicated and multi-faceted characters have been added throughout James Bond’s six-decade film series, especially during Craig’s tenure. One aspect still notably downplayed, however,is outright female Bond villains, and whileEmily Blunthas proven in roles likeEdge of Tomorrowthat she can easily handle the action of a Bond film, it’s 2015’sSicariothat showcases just how good she could be as an enemy to 007.
Inone of Denis Villienieuve’s most rewatchable films, Blunt stars as protagonist Kate Mercer, an FBI operative tasked with taking down drug cartels in Central America. Though initially idealistic, Mercer slowly allows more of her manipulative and violent tendencies to shine through as she becomes entangled in the immensely complex politics and morals of the war on drugs. Bluntshowcases her ability to be a physical and mental threat inSicario, and if this character framework was flipped to the other side of the law, she could use these traits to provide a compelling challenge to James Bond.
The Fall Guy
6Lupita Nyong’o
Most Recently Seen in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (2024)
After starring in such smash hits asBlack PantherandThe Wild Robot,Lupita Nyongohas quickly become one of the box office’s biggest darlings.The Oscar-winning actress also has plenty of critical acclaim to go along with her commercial success, being massively celebrated for her roles in thrillers such asA Quiet Place: Day One,The 355, andUs.
In addition to portraying the protagonist ofUs, Nyong’o also takes on the role of the villain Red, an unhinged yet sympathetic antagonist that acts as the film’s main driving force.The burden of this task is placed entirely on the gifted actress' shoulders, and sheportrays Red as simultaneously morally gray and relatable yet still utterly terrifying and threatening. As Bond villains have trended more and more towards gray morality, and the films have tried to explore more of the philosophical and ideological ideas of 007’s world,an actress like Lupita Nyong’o, well versed in exploring similar themes, could fit in expertly.
A Quiet Place: Day One
5Jesse Plemons
Most Recently Seen in ‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)
Jesse Plemonsexcels at playing cold. The actor’s ability to portray hidden motivations and information while exuding a threatening air of faux formality has been crucial to memorable villain roles in films such asJudas and The Black Messiahand, most recently,Alex Garland’sCivil War. Though often given limited roles in films, Plemons is always a highlight, especially in these haunting and unnerving villain roles with which he is quickly becoming associated.
InCivil War, Plemons' character isn’t given a clear affiliation, backstory, or even a name; however, he has quickly become one of the most memorable parts of the film. In limited screen time,Plemons creates an extremely threatening antagonist, using his shrouded motivations to palpable and terrifying effect. Like the actors' other villainous roles, this cold demeanor is made all the more terrifying when it drops, and bursts of emotions are let out at seemingly uncontrolled times. Given that the mostthrilling James Bond moviesoften play out like unraveling mysteries, Jesse Plemons is a no-brainer for the villain.
Kinds of Kindness
4Idris Elba
Most Recently Seen in ‘Hijack’ (2023)
The charming and suave Idris Elba has long been a fan favorite casting to play James Bond, but with the actor only four years younger than Daniel Craig and the fact thathe no longer seems interested in the role, it’s likely that the world has missed out on seeing this version of its favorite secret agent. What is still on the table, however, is for the multi-talented actor to harness that charm for evil as what could become one of 007’s most intimidating foes.
Playing action baddies in films likeHobbs and Shawproves that Elba still has the physical prowess to be a menace to whoever is cast as James Bond. Moreover,Elba has shown a remarkable understanding of villainous psychologyin roles like Rufus Buck inThe Harder They Fallor the truly terrifying Commandant inBeasts of No Nation. In the latter, Elba portrays a manipulative and callous villain with such shocking and hard-hitting realness that it can be genuinely difficult to watch. He would not have to go through those depths of visceral darkness for a Bond film, but having the option to, especially when contrasted with his opposite ability to be likable and charming, couldcreate one truly memorable villain.
3Paul Giamatti
Most Recently Seen in ‘The Holdovers’ (2023)
Paul Giamattiis one of the most talented character actors of all time. Be it in dramas likeSidewaysor comedies likeThe Holdovers, in both lead and supporting roles,Giamatti has shown a range so vastthat he can slip into any role. Despite countless film credits, it is in television roles where Giamatti’s villainous chops really get a chance to shine, such as his role as the duplicitous, flip-flopping Chuck Rhoades inBillions.
The acclaimed actorhas also expressed interestin the franchise, particularly specifying that he would prefer to playone of the more outlandish Bond villains. HavingPaul Giamatti play an eccentric Bond villainwith visions of world conquest may be the exact kind of silly throwback that the franchise needs after the dark and brooding Daniel Craig era. Of course, if Giamatti wants to play a villain with hidden depths, he has proven throughout his career that he is more than capable of being a sympathetic, shadowy nemesis. Perhaps the extremely gifted actor could even combine the two, taking a character likeA View to a Kill’s Max Zorin and adding the threatening simplicity ofCasino Royale’s Le Chiffre.
The Holdovers
2Pierce Brosnan
Most Recently Seen in ‘‘The Unholy Trinity’ (2024)
James Bond has a notoriously loose canon. Fans have often debated many questions about his lore, but the movies themselves rightfully only ever pay lip service. One of the best options, then, for a villain who could effectively mirror or contrast whoever becomes the next 007 would be one of the previous actors to fill that role. Being old enough to be viewed nostalgically and yet young enough to still play an imposing villain,Pierce Brosnanis the perfect choice ofan ex-Bond as a new villainous character.
Playing a master criminal inThe Thomas Crown Affair, an outright evil villain inTheWorld’s End, andeven a sinister spy inThe Fourth Protocol, Brosnan has showcased his ability to operate effectively on the other side of the law and could expand upon this streak as some new character in the James Bond mythos. Though the actor has kept up with action, if audiences are to believe any villain could take on 007, one of his former actors would help sell that illusion. Perhaps playing a fallen secret agent akin toGoldeneye’s Alec Trevelyan would be the perfect balance of bringing back a familiar face in a new, twisted way.
The Unholy Trinity
1Cate Blanchett
Most Recently Seen in ‘Borderlands’ (2024)
Coming off of her fourth Oscar nomination forTÁR,Cate Blanchettis one of the most celebrated actors of the twenty-first century and has only continued to collect acclaim and recognition. As James Bond looks to reset the status quo and reestablish itself as a franchise worth paying attention to, an entrenched actress such as Blanchett would lend not only massive amounts of credibility to Bond 26 but also excitement.
Garnering acclaim for playing all types of characters,Blanchett has played eccentric Bond-like villainsinIndiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull. She couldeasily slip into whatever status quo the next Bond lands upon with much-needed gravitas. Ironically, one of the most telling glimpses into how Cate Blanchett may fit into the intense espionage world of 007 may be one of her lesser-known roles in the 2011Saoirse Ronanspy thrillerHanna. The Oscar winner plays her devious character with a haunting amount of cold efficiency, manipulative intelligence, and a commanding presence, all traits that could carry over to a prospective Bond villain role.
