Most of the Bond actors had some sort of bond-like role before hand. So actors like Tom Hiddleston (Night Manager), Richard Madden (Citadel, Bodyguard), Theo James (The Gentlemen, though I wish he had more direct action in that series), are soft auditions for Bond. I'd rather a less 'pretty boy' actor, particularly if they are mid-30s or less, but once they hit their 40's they are perfect. A younger actor needs a bit more grit in their face and most of these brits have too much skin care and no life stresses to be convincing.