Hardy is very Bond-like in Inception. When I first saw him in that I thought he'd make a good Bond perhaps... but after years of seeing him in other rolls I'm not so sure anymore.
Fassbender, yeah. Won't happen. He might -- might -- play a villain at some point.
If the Hardy rumor has any truth or consideration to it, it seems that the Bond Producers wish to keep the Terminator Bond style alive rather than go back to a more smooth and sophisticated agent with biting wit and charm. I suppose you have to follow your audience. But I'm tired of the heavy-handed, humorless Jason Bourne Bond persona that works for Craig. I'd like to see a lighter touch, a sarcastic edge, and a more engaging Bond myself.