REPORT: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Richard Madden Front-Runner To Replace Daniel Craig As James Bond

Barbara Broccoli and the other producers of the James Bond franchise have yet to even begin production on Daniel Craig’s swansong ‘Bond 25,’ but according to new rumors, the next actor to take the role of 007 has already been decided.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, “Game of Thrones” star Richard Madden is next in line to replace Daniel Craig and inherit the role of superspy James Bond after the upcoming ‘Bond 25.’ The report says Madden is at the top of Broccoli’s list and she’s expected to offer the role in the coming days. Of course, we should take all of this with a mighty large grain of salt as the Bond role has been discussed for what seems like years now, ever since Craig said he was done with the role after “Spectre.” As we know now, Craig will give the character one more go-around with incoming director Cary Fukunaga taking the helm.

READ MORE: Producer Barbara Broccoli Kills The Dream Of A Female James Bond: “Bond Is Male”

Madden is best known for his role as Rob Stark on the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” However, since that character’s untimely demise (still not over it), the actor has gone on to star in a variety of film and TV projects, most recently starring in the BBC drama “Bodyguard.” Without a doubt, if offered the role of James Bond, this would mark Madden’s highest-profile project to date.

Previous to the Madden rumor, a ton of actors have been listed as “front-runners” for the British superspy role. Most recently, people assumed that Idris Elba was going to be offered the role, but the actor quickly dismissed talk of him replacing Craig as pure speculation. While Elba’s involvement (or lack thereof) felt more like fan casting, Madden’s name is interesting because of how out of left-field the news comes. The actor is young enough to carry the role for at least a decade, if chosen. And in previous roles, Madden has proven able to handle action and be quite dapper while doing so.

As with any Bond rumors, we’ll believe it when we see it. But it appears that Rob Stark could trade in his sword and direwolf for a Walther PPK in the future.