The latestJames Bondmovie,Spectre, which was the fourth to featureDaniel Craigas 007, came out more than a year ago. Nothing about the next movie in the long-running franchise has been revealed at this time. It isn’t even clear ifDaniel Craigis going to return, though Sony really wants him to. With that in mind, there have been a lot of names thrown around when it comes to who may replace Craig as the next Bond.Tom Hardy’s name has regularly been mentioned, and now it seems like he has personally dumped some fuel on that fire.

The actor recently spoke withThe Daily Beastin order to promote his new show Taboo. The subject of thoseJames Bondrumors did come up. Surprisingly, while not actually saying much, he seemed to confirm that he is at the very least interested, but seemingly implied that some form of conversations have taken place. Here is whatTom Hardyhad to say about it.

“You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race. So I can’t possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it’s gone.”

It is really that last bit ofTom Hardy’s comment that makes it seem not only like he would be open to playing the iconic spy in the future, but that the opportunity may very well be on the table already. At the moment, Sony and MGM seem dead set on trying to getDaniel Craigback for at least one more moveJames Bondmovie, but reports suggest that they would like two more. However, the most recent info from The Sun makes it seem like things aren’t in a great place. Here is what an unnamed insider had to say to the publication about where things currently stand withJames Bond 25.

“Daniel and MGM are currently at a stalemate with him having not spoken to them about Bond. They have offered a bigger wage deal, and asked about his filming availability to his reps in 2017, but as yet they have not spoken to Daniel. They want Bond 25 out in October 2018, but currently they have no Bond, film dates or knowledge of when that will change. Daniel’s commitment is also a key part of whether Sony Pictures will come in to co-finance the film. So much is hanging in the air - and no-one knows.”

At one point, it wasThorstarTom Hiddlestonwho seemed to be the frontrunner, based partially on a meeting he had with producerBarbara Broccoli, but also because bookies refused to stop taking bets on him to be the next Bond because the odds tipped so heavily in his favor. Other names that have been thrown around includeIdris Elba, who seems to be the people’s favorite, as well asJamie Bell,Michael Fassbender,Henry CavillandAidan Turner.Tom Hardyqualifies in that he can do an action movie and he looks pretty great in a suit. But pretty much every name that has been thrown around up to this point seems to meet those qualifications.

One thing we do know is that directorSam Mendeswon’t be returning. He directed bothSkyfall, which was the firstJames Bondmovie to ever gross more than $1 billion at the box office, andSpectre, which didn’t fare quite as well at the box office or with critics. Though, it was still definitely a success, since it grossed $880 million worldwide. IfTom Hardydoes wind up boardingJames Bond 25, he has an idea for who he would like to direct it. It turns out, he thinks it would be “so cool” ifChristopher Nolantook a stab at007. Here is what he had to say.

“I wonder what the next installment of that franchise would become, and I think when you mention someone like Christopher Nolan, that’s a very powerful figure to bring into that world who could bring something new and create something profound, again.”

Tom Hardyworked withChristopher Nolanon bothInceptionandThe Dark Knight Rises, as well as the upcoming WWII dramaDunkirk, so the two have some chemistry for sure. Plus,Christopher Nolanhas not been shy about his love for the franchise and hasn’t ruled out directing aJames Bondmovie, so who knows? IfTom Hardysigns on that could be enough to sway him. All of that said, this could all be for nothing ifDaniel Craigdoes decide tocome backfor another movie. Still, there are likely a lot of people out there who would love to seeTom Hardyfill those very big shoes, and he is one of few actors who may actually be able to pull it off.