"Bond 24," the next installment in the James Bond series, will star Daniel Craig as the agent 007. But who are the James Bond contenders for future films after "Bond 24" and Daniel Craig's retirement?

Daniel Craig has signed on to the next two James Bond films, unofficially titled "Bond 24" and "Bond 25." "Bond 24" currently is planned for an Autumn 2015 release, but according to new rumors there may already be contenders for the coveted role in future James Bond films.

According to NME.com, Idris Elba is rumored to be linked to the role of James Bond. Idris Elba has starred in TV series "The Wire" and "Luther," and will also take on the lead role in the upcoming biopic "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom." The website reports that he has been discussed as a potential replacement for Daniel Craig when he leaves the 007 franchise, perhaps after "Bond 25."

Elba told the Huffington Post: "I say it all the time, but if it was to ever happen and if I was ever to get offered that role, that would be the will of a nation."

"That would be like, 'Wow, human beings are really powerful,'" he continued. "'They really made that happen, because [Bond producer] Barbara Broccoli certainly didn't' ... it would be the will of a nation because everyone has been saying that to me."

Previously, Elba's "Long Walk To Freedom" co-star Naomie Harris revealed that Elba had met Broccoli to discuss the possibility of playing the famous spy, NME.com reports.

Another possible contender for the role of James Bond? Joey Essex?

According to The Mirror, television personality Joey Essex, who is currently on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here," said that he thinks he could be the next 007.

He said: "I'd love to play 007 one day. That would be sick.

"The closest I have come to playing Bond was the shoot for my fragrance recently and I loved it.

"I'd love to go to Hollywood. So we'll see what happens."

He also told The Sun: "The only problem is that I'm no good at reading scripts. Maybe I'll just do the kissing scenes instead."

Last month, his girlfriend and fellow "TOWIE" star Sam Faiers, told the Daily Star that she thought he would make an amazing 007, The Mirror reports.

She said: "I think Joey would make a great James Bond.

"I don't think he would be good with all the top-secret Government stuff but he'd look good in the tux."

Faiers added: "I'm not sure about how he would cope with all the action - rolling about and driving cars really fast - but he'd be great posing in the suit.

"Joey and I should audition to be the next James Bond and Bond girl. I think they'd definitely take us on, don't you?"

Time will only tell who will fill in the shoes of Daniel Craig in a few years.