James Bond boss says 'door open' to black 007 with Idris Elba hinted as frontrunner

Daniel Craig has been confirmed to return once more to the role of 007, in a film directed by Danny Boyle

Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli has reportedly announced that the door is open for a black 007 in the future, once Daniel Craig completes his final outing as the spy.

The Daily Star reports that director Antoine Fuqua revealed the details of a conversation with 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.

Indeed, the director seemed to hint that the actor is currently being eyed as a strong candidate, adding: "Idris could do it if he was in shape. You need a guy with physically strong presence. Idris has that.”

Danny Boyle will direct the next, Daniel Craig-starring Bond installment, with work having already begun on the script with Trainspotting scribe John Hodge.

Eon productions heads Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli called the director “exceptionally talented” in a statement, while the head of US distributor MGM said: ”We couldn’t be more thrilled than to bring the next 007 adventure to the big screen, uniting the incomparable Daniel Craig with the extraordinary vision of Danny Boyle.”

Craig revealed he would return to the iconic role last August, having previously played Bond four times: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre.

The film is scheduled to reach UK cinemas on the 25 October 2019.

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