James Bond: Daniel Craig 'doesn't give a f**k' if black or female actor plays 007

Craig is reprising the iconic role for the fourth time in Spectre and believes 'the right person' will take over from him

Daniel Craig has better things to do with his time, like drinking martinis (Eon Productions)

“Who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond?” might be the burning question on everybody’s lips, but our current 007 has admitted in the frankest terms that he really doesn’t care.

Spectre Vlog - Action

The British actor is reprising the iconic role for the fourth time in upcoming movie Spectre and is contracted for one more film, but speculation is already rife as to who might take over when he quits the hugely popular franchise.

Idris Elba is a favourite to be the first black Bond, while Damian Lewis and Henry Cavill are also on the ‘strong maybe’ list. Suggestions that a woman could take the job have also sparked debate.

Idris Elba, seen here in Luther, is a major contender to play James Bond (BBC)

Craig, meanwhile, could not be much less bothered. “The person should do the job and I don’t give a f**k what colour their skin is,” he told The Sun. “It shouldn’t be an issue. [A female] is another story. But why not? Jasmine Bond?”

The 47-year-old said recently that while the tough training to play Bond is “getting hard”, he will “keep going as long as [he’s] physically able”.

“It’s an honour to play Bond,” he told the Mail on Sunday’s Event magazine. “I get such a big kick out of doing it, but I’m not going to make predictions.”

Craig said after shooting wrapped on Skyfall that he was contemplating giving up the famous part, but seemed to have a change of heart after the 2012 film became one of the highest-grossing Bond movies ever.

Spectre, also starring Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris, is due in UK cinemas on 26 October.