9 women who could be the next Bond

Playing British superspy James Bond is a tough order, which might be why Daniel Craig called it quits one movie shy of fulfilling his contract. Rumors point to Tom Hiddleston and Idris Elba remains perfect. And now, Gillian Anderson proved with fan art that she'd make formidable contender.

In light of Anderson's unofficial application, we couldn't help wonder: Which other women would make badass Bonds?

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Emily Blunt

Blunt was magnetic in 2015's cartel crime thriller Sicario, and her The Devil Wears Prada alter-ego would take care of Bond's impeccable taste in fashion. 

Naomie Harris

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Harris is already part of the Bond universe, having played Moneypenny in Skyfall and Spectre, so perhaps it's time for a promotion.

Emilia Clarke

This is an obvious choice because we watch Clarke kick Westerosi butt on a weekly basis, but she also proved she can handle action scenes without leaning on CGI dragons in Terminator: Genisys. Plus, what Bond boy (that's what the love interests will now be called) could resist that Khaleesi smolder?

Rinko Kikuchi

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Look how smooth she is with that umbrella. She'll be right at home in London.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

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Think of it as a big-screen revival of Undercovers, but better because it would be all about her and not her silly secret agent marriage.

Rosamund Pike

Has any Bond been as remorseless and glibly deceptive as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl? Pike knows how to play the treacherously "cool girl" and wipe the blood off her face as if it's nothing more than makeup.

Rachel Weisz

Weisz is married to Daniel Craig, so she may know too much about how taxing the Bond role can be, but imagine her taking over for her husband and completely slaying the role.

Priyanka Chopra

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Headlining Quantico is a meaty action role, and that on top of Chopra's credits as a boxing legend in Mary Kom and special agent Roma in India's Don franchise. Plus, you know, she has a lot of down time.

Helen McCrory

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McCrory commands every scene she's in on Peaky Blinders (not to mention a brief but masterful turn as Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter films) and would be as compelling a Bond as any man – if not more so than most of them.

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