Top 10 Actresses who could play James Bond

#10: Rachel Weisz

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We’ll start off with none other than Mrs. Bond herself. Since she’s married to the early 21st century face of the franchise Daniel Craig, we’re sure that pillow talk at their house has given Rachel Weisz the edge over many actresses in Hollywood, in terms of what it takes to work for her Majesty’s Secret Service. Not only is her dark beauty and acting ability rivaled by few, but we’ve also seen from films like “The Mummy” and “The Bourne Legacy” that she’d have no problem having wild adventures and chasing bad guys. This veteran actress would bring depth and beauty to the complex role.

#9: Keira Knightley

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From bounty hunter to Russian adulteress to Chanel spokeswoman, Keira Knightley’s range knows no bounds. From her breakthrough in “Bend It Like Beckham” to her more adult roles like “A Dangerous Method” and “Anna Karenina”, Keira Knightley is not afraid to get her hands dirty. The most badass role of hers to date could arguably be Domino Harvey, the model-turned-bounty hunter with an assortment of tattoos and the desire to hunt down bad guys with sometimes-unorthodox methods. As one of the youngest women on this list, Keira could certainly grow into the James Bond role and become another franchise staple like Sean Connery ,whose career lasted seven films.

Gillian Anderson certainly helped bring up the conversation of women in James Bond’s shoes to the public eye in the early 21st century. When she took to Twitter at the end of May 2016 to express interest in the role with the hashtag #NextBond, the internet went up in flames. And who can blame us for wanting her to be the sexy secret agent? The American-born, England-raised actress has already proven herself as the beloved Agent Scully in “The X-Files”, and she’s aged so gracefully that we’re sure there are many envious people out there. Then there’s her role as the confident detective in the BBC drama, “The Fall”. If the Bond role was given based on interest alone, Gillian would be at the top of the list.

Adding a little diversity to the potential Bond list is Archie Panjabi, whose parents immigrated to England from India. Known internationally for her roles in “The Good Wife” and “The Fall”, the fact that Archie is not as well-known as the other actresses on this list doesn’t necessarily go against her. George Lazenby, the only actor to be featured in only one James Bond film, was an unknown model from Australia, which proves that fame isn’t the only thing that can get you a job with Britain’s most prestigious agency. Having Archie as the next Bond would not only be a progressive choice, but would truly paint a realistic picture of the multiculturalism of Britain.

She’s a lady who knows James Bond personally, as she was the Bond Babe who played opposite Pierce Brosnan in “Die Another Day”. Though it was a small role, she showed she knew exactly how to hold her own in the spy world. Known for movies like “Gone Girl,” “Pride & Prejudice” and “Jack Reacher,” Rosamund Pike is up there among the great English beauties working in Hollywood today. Her filmography may be more on the dramatic side, but in preparation for her famed role as Amy Dunne in “Gone Girl,” she underwent intense boxing training - and let’s be honest: we all know how strong she was in that movie.

Playing one of the most hated characters on “Game of Thrones” certainly gives Lena Headey the respect she deserves in the acting world. Before she played the conniving Cersei Lannister though, the Bermuda-born, England-raised actress was known for her role in “300” where she played the passionate wife of Gerard Butler, and for her role as Sarah Connor in “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Not only has she proven her acting ability both in drama and action roles but she also possesses beauty and maturity in that perfect harmony where you can just picture her taking down the bad guys without smudging her lipstick.

Some of you may know Lauren Cohan as the sexy super-thief from “Supernatural,” while most of you would recognize her from “The Walking Dead.” But whether she’s outwitting the Winchesters or kicking walker ass, one thing is for certain: she would be one hot James Bond. Born in the States and raised in the UK, Lauren has a background in drama and English literature and was a model before becoming an actress. With a resumé that has skills such as archery, fencing, and gun handling, we’re sure her Majesty’s Secret Service could use a skilled 00-agent just like her.

#3: Kate Beckinsale

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No stranger to the action genre, Kate Beckinsale could use any number of her past films to audition for Britain’s sexiest spy. With movies like the “Underworld” franchise,” “Total Recall” and “Van Helsing” under her belt, it is no wonder this ass-kicking Brit is in the top 3. Featured on numerous lists for her hotness throughout her career, a job with MI6 doesn’t seem so far-fetched when you look at her action scenes. Not only can she hold her own in a fight against vampires, werewolves and Colin Farrell, but she also does so with the elegance and grace that would do the Queen proud.

Known primarily for her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic universe, Hayley Atwell’s got tons of experience working as a secret agent in a well-known franchise. Her qualifications include: espionage, martial arts and experience handling guns, and all while in heels. Looking killer in a suit, her role as 007 would surely bring both male and female fans racing to the box office, and bring her out of the twentieth century into a more modern time for crime. One thing is for sure: a Marvel and Bond crossover would be too cool for the world to handle. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Natalie Dormer Emilia Clarke Rebecca Hall Helena Bonham Carter Thandie Newton

#1: Emily Blunt

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Coming in at number one is one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Most of us first saw Emily Blunt as the snotty assistant in “The Devil Wears Prada,” and even though she only had a supporting role, she stole the show. From there she did many projects that helped her gain popularity and allowed us to see just how talented she is. Not only can Emily sing, but she also showed her dance skills in “The Adjustment Bureau” and her action abilities in “Sicario” and “Edge of Tomorrow.” Married to John Krasinski, we’re sure that Emily could bring a little comedic relief to the Bond role as well, along with her elegant British poise. Do you agree with our list? Who do you think should be the next female Bond? For more hot top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.