James Bond producers say Idris Elba is 'part of the conversation' to be the next 007

One of the most sought-after roles in cinema has to be that of pop-culture icon James Bond. With Daniel Craig handing in his "license to kill", following the release of the recent installment, James Bond: No Time To Die, fans and critics around the world have been wondering who will be stepping into the shoes of the famous British spy. Well, as it turns out, British heartthrob, Idris Elba, is being considered for the leading role by James Bond producers.

Producer Barbara Broccoli revealed that she's been told "a lot of fans want to see Idris Elba in a tuxedo" and further added that the 49-year-old actor is "part of the conversation" to be the next 007.

Speaking to Deadline's Crew Call podcast, she addressed the speculation over who will next play Bond. "Well, we know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor. And, you know, it's been part of the conversation, but it's always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.

"I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to - well, we've all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel's wonderful tenure, we're not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else, actors to play the role or storylines, we just want to live in the moment."

If Idris Elba takes up the role of James Bond, he will be the seventh actor to do so in the long-lived franchise.