Actor Tom Hardy is quickly gaining traction in the "James Bond" franchise fan base. An online poll by Ireland-based bookmaker BoyleSports determined that Hardy is the front-runner as fan-favorite to play James Bond in the next "007" film, Variety reported.

"The Next James Bond market has certainly come alive with all the support coming in for Tom Hardy, who is now 4/1 from 6/1 to take over from Daniel Craig," BoyleSports spokesman Liam Glynn told Variety.

The revelation comes just days after "007" author Anthony Horowitz was quoted saying that British actor Idris Elba was too "street" to take on the role of the super-smooth spy after actor Daniel Craig's tenure is up, as previously reported by HNGN. Horowitz has since apologized for his comments.

"Clumsily, I chose the word 'street' as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word," Horowitz wrote in a statement on Twitter. "I am mortified to have cause offense."

Other actors in the running for the chance to continue the "James Bond" franchise are Henry Cavill, Michael Fassbender, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Dougray Scott, Rupert Friend, and Dominic West, according to Vanity Fair. The next "007" film, "Spectre" starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, is scheduled for a Nov. 6 release.

See Horowitz's tweet below.

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