Mike Myers and Jay Roach are throwing ideas around for Austin Powers 4

Shall we beg now or beg later?

Next year marks 20 years since Mike Myers first brought his character Austin Powers to the big-screen.

Two sequels followed - The Spy Who Shagged Me and Goldmember - and since then, it's been all quiet on the Powers front with Myers himself only starring in eight roles since the latter's release in 2002 (The Cat in the Hat, Shrek's sequels and an Inglourious Basterds cameo included).

In a time so addled with comedy follow-ups, a reunion of classic Austin Powers characters Dr. Evil, Mini-Me, and Fat Bastard has always seemed a likely bet, but only now has director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Trumbo) revealed he and Myers have discussed potential ideas for a fourth outing.

"You know, [Mike Myers and I] talk about it every time we get together," he told US chat show host Larry King. "I would say it's in a latent phase right now but someday if we find the right idea that seems to have it earn itself, for sure.

"Mike gave me the break of a lifetime in letting me direct [Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery] so I'm always good to go."

Regarding possible ideas for another film, Roach added: "It's been many years of kicking around but there hasn't been one that's stuck yet."

The successful original trilogy starred a large ensemble of actors including Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, Rob Lowe, Michael Caine and Beyoncé.

Austin Powers in Goldmember ended with Scott Evil (Seth Green) taking over a reformed Dr. Evil's plans for world domination.