Tom Hardy backs himself as next James Bond

Tom Hardy's added his name to the list of potential candidates to take over from Daniel Craig when the actor eventually walks away. Photo / Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press via AP

British actor Tom Hardy is adamant producers behind the James Bond films should consider him for the lead role because he would "smash it out the park."

The Mad Max: Fury Road star has added his name to the list of potential candidates to take over from Daniel Craig when the actor eventually walks away from the iconic role of 007.

Hardy admits he would love to play Bond, but fears he may not get a shot as competition for the part is so intense.

"I would love to do it," he tells the London Evening Standard.

"Who wouldn't? If I did get the chance, I would smash it out the park ... There is a long list of talent in this country who would love the honour just as much as me and could do it just as well."

Craig is rumoured to be stepping down from the role soon, but Hardy is convinced the actor will have one more outing as Bond before retiring from the franchise.

"I believe Daniel will do one more," he adds.

"He, Sam Mendes, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson are an amazing team and have really got it cracked. Why would they want to break up that winning formula?" Hardy said.

- AAP