James Bond: Tom Hiddleston reportedly in final talks to play the new 007

British actor Tom Hiddleston, who is best known for his role as Loki in the Marvel movies and for playing a secret agent in The Night Manager, is reportedly in advanced talks to take over from Daniel Craig as the new James Bond. The news follows rumours of Craig allegedly declining an offer to reprise his role as the legendary spy.

Movies' news website Birth.Movies.Death. reported that sources close to the 35-year-old actor have confirmed that Hiddleston is in "advanced talks" with Eon Productions to take over from Craig as the new 007. However, the sources also added that no official offer has been made to the actor yet.

If the rumours turn out to be true, it would be interesting to see how the secret agent of the small screen carries on the Bond legacy that Craig has successfully shouldered in the last four films.

Hiddleston being considered for the coveted role was long known. Even before the studios approached the actor, he had been vocal about his desire to play the iconic spy 007. During a previous interview with Sunday Times, Hiddleston had mentioned that he is a huge fan of the series, as well as of the "theme tune, the tropes and the mythology". Speaking about his desires, he told the newspaper (via Guardian): "If it ever came knocking, it would be an extraordinary opportunity."

Ever since 2006, Bond fans have gotten used to seeing 48-year-old Craig in a black tuxedo taking down bad men. While he had been successful in portraying the iconic character on screen, after four films, the English actor seems to be in no mood to reprise his role as agent 007 again. In fact, during a press tour for Spectre in 2015, Craig announced he would rather slash his wrists than make a Bond movie again.

With the spot for agent Bond seemingly open, it is a matter of time before a fresh face fills up Craig's shoes. However, according to the BMD website, this could also be a move on the producer's part to "catalyze a response from Craig".