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007 star Daniel Craig has played the role of James Bond for 12 years now, and after the release of the next film he is set to retire from the franchise. Leaving the opportunity open for the next Hollywood star, there has been a slew of speculations and rumours as to who the next Bond might be.

Fans have put bets on Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender and David Oyelowo to take over the iconic role, and although Henry Cavill put his hand up to play the part, all signs are pointing towards Idris Elba as the next James Bond.

Elba has been a favourite for the part since day dot, in 2014, when when emails released during the massive Sony hack revealed that then-studio co-chair Amy Pascal told a colleague, “Idris should be the next Bond.” He has openly admitted that he has not been signed on to play the role, but The Independent reports that producers are indeed leaning towards Elba for the casting.

“Director Antoine Fuqua revealed the details of a conversation with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, in which she said “it is time” for a non-white actor to take on the iconic role. Fuqua discussed who might be next in the running with Broccoli, who’s certain the progressive move “will happen eventually”, with Idris Elba a reported frontrunner for the role.”

While it definitely is not concrete evidence, it is a hint in the right direction. Stay tuned for updates.