Idris Elba, Aidan Turner and Tom Hiddleston all on studio bosses’ final hitlist to be the next James Bond

FILM bosses have drawn up an official shortlist of actors to be the next James Bond if Daniel Craig goes through with his threat to quit.

Luther star Idris Elba, 43, has made the cut, as has Michael Fassbender, 39.

Also in the running are Fast and Furious star Luke Evans, 37, Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam, 36, Poldark’s Aidan Turner, 33, and Tom Hiddleston, 35.

Key players at studio MGM think Elba has the gravitas, talent and box office appeal.

A source at the movie company revealed: “To get anyone to take over from Daniel will be a tough job.

“There will be a lot of trepidation about a new Bond, but Idris’ talent and proven appeal gives executives a lot of heart.

“Idris may be a little older than the other candidates but he looks like he is still in his 30s.

“MGM are confident that they are in a pretty strong place with a raft of talent available.”

Idris insists he has not been approached and last month claimed he was “too old” to play James Bond.

EON Productions franchise boss Barbara Broccoli is also meeting actors, including Happy Valley star James Norton, 31, and Billy Elliot actor Jamie Bell, 30, who are not on MGM’s list.

The source went on: “While the MGM executives have an idea, Barbara makes the ultimate decision on the role.

“Once Barbara decides who she wants to direct, then the audition process will be vital.”

Craig, 48, has still not committed to a fifth movie with insiders suggesting he told film bosses he is “done” after a decade as 007.