Director Sam Mendes has released an opinion about the deafening rumors of Tom Hiddleston playing James Bond: expect the unexpected.

The ultra top-secret actor is in "advanced talks" to take over the character vacated by Daniel Craig. He pointed out that movie producer Barbara Broccoli, not him, has the final say about the final actor. He assures everybody though, that whatever happens, it would be brilliant. Showing the unexpected is how the film franchise has survived.

The search for the next Bond was started when Daniel Craig announced during "Spectre" screening that he won't be back for the 25th installment of the film.

Sam Mendes won't also be returning as the director; he has directed "Skyfall" and "Spectre".

"It was an incredible adventure, I loved every second of it," Mendes told an audience at Hay Festival. "But I think it's time for somebody else. I'm a storyteller. And at the end of the day, I want to make stories with new characters."

It is now hinted that Tom will be in a Bond movie, not as the hero but as the villain. If that is the case, he would do great judging from the way he played villain in the "Thor" franchise.

The Wrap recently released a list of 7 actors that could possibly play the handsome spy: Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Damian Lewis, Jamie Bell, Aidan Turner, James Norton, and possibly first female Bond, Gillian Anderson.

The female Bond would be named Jane Bond. The movement amused gillian Anderson. On a Twitter post, she said, "It's Bond. Jane Bond. Thanks for all the votes! #NextBond". If ever that happens, it would be a game changer indeed.

Past James Bond actors are Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby, David Niven and Barry Nelson.