With speculation mounting as to who might be playing the next James Bond if Spectre turns out to be Daniel Craig’s final movie, Tom Hardy has put himself forward as a candidate, saying that he would consider playing the British spy.

Speaking to Sky News, the 37 year old English actor didn’t say whether or not he’d actually been approached for the part. However, when asked by the interviewer, the high-profile star replied: “I think anybody would consider doing Bond, wouldn't they?”

Tom HardyTom Hardy would be interested in playing James Bond

Hardy is fast becoming one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, with well-received roles in the likes of Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, Warrior and Mad Max: Fury Road, as well as indie flicks such as Locke. He is currently promoting his latest film Legend, in which he plays both of the notorious Kray brothers Ronnie and Reggie, and is out on September 9th.

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Current Bond actor Daniel Craig told Esquire magazine in August that Spectre, his fourth film playing 007, might be his last. This triggered a number of rumours as to his possible replacement.

‘Luther’ and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom star Idris Elba has been the front-runner for the last couple of months, though he himself has long maintained a total lack of knowledge about the rumour. 007 novelist Anthony Horowitz recently had to apologise for describing Elba’s acting style as too “street” to play Bond, though he said that was in reference to the style he adopts in ‘Luther’.

Australian actor Hugh Jackman, no stranger to high-profile parts having played Wolverine in several X-Men movies, has also thrown his hat into the ring in the last week, saying that he would “seriously consider” the part if he was ever offered it.

More: Hugh Jackman would “seriously consider” playing James Bond if he was asked