Idris Elba is back among the favourites to replace Daniel Craig become the new James Bond.
The 49-year old, who was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to drama, has reportedly held new talks with producers after market research suggested he would be a good fit for 007 - rather than as a villain as previously mooted.
Craig, meanwhile, stood down from the role following the release of 2021's No Time To Die - his fifth appearance in the role.
A source told the Sun : "Idris has long been in talks to play a role in the next era of James Bond's story and last year was being considered for a role as an antagonist.
"However, talks surrounding him playing the lead have started again as producers realised how popular he would be after carrying out secret market research.
"He ranked highly among the diverse group of movie buffs invited to participate in it. They didn’t want to see him as a nemesis - they want him as the hero."
Bookmaker Paddy Power currently lists the actor as joint second favourite alongside Superman star Henry Cavill at just 3/1.
Rege Jean Page of Bridgerton fame is seen as the most likely to succeed Craig at 2/1.
Other names in the running include Chiwetel Ejiofor (10/3), Aidan Turner (6/1) and Tom Hardy (7/1).
Another bookmaker - Betfair - also lists Elba at 3/1, again behind favourite Page.
Speaking in January franchise producer Barbara Broccoli, 61 - who co-owns Eon Productions - revealed that Elba's name had come up in discussions as to who will take over in a future instalment.
She made the admission on Deadline 's Crew Call podcast, in which she was asked if any conversations with the actor were forthcoming.
"Well, we know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor," she said.
"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."
The producer has previously spoken about the future of the character, with her revealing last year that she is open to diversity in the role moving forward.
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