The Next Bond Girl: If Not Penelope Cruz, 20 Actresses Who Should Nab The Coveted Role

With every Bond edition comes the inevitable question: Who will play the action hero's leading lady? It's probably a more important discussion than who will play Bond himself.

As Hollywood works to solidify the 24th entry in the indelible series, wheels are turning about who will take over for Bérénice Marlohe and Tonia Sotiropoulou, the ladies who nabbed the coveted roles in "Skyfall." Penelope Cruz emerged as a viable frontrunner -- and an excellent choice, if we do say so ourselves -- but now her reps are reportedly denying the actress's involvement with the Bond series.

So if not Cruz, who will take the reins and don the coveted title of the next official Bond girl? We've rounded up 20 actresses (of all ages, mind you -- who says a Bond girl has to still be suckling on the teat of Young Hollywood?) who are among the hottest in the business today and could easily bear the Bond crown.

Do you agree? Who's missing from this list? Chime in below in the comments section.