Michael Fassbender says he doesn’t want to be the next James Bond

 Michael Fassbender has ruled out the possibility of taking over from Daniel Craig as James Bond, as he feels somebody younger should take on the role.

The Irish actor, who's 39, was believed to be on the shortlist to replace the 48-year-old Craig but he doesn't want it. When asked by GQ if he'd like to become the seventh actor to play 007, Fassbender responded: "To be honest, no."

A real shame when you consider how great he looks in a suit. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI)

Even though there are nine years between them, Fassbender considers himself to be in the same age bracket as Craig and he had some fairly revolutionary thoughts about where the character of Bond should go next. "As an acting role, I think Daniel has done such a cracking job in this age group... I think the franchise needs something new. "What about we start the film back in Sandhurst, Army training rather than on a yacht, or he's in the Middle East on an op and gets thrown in the brig for insubordination? He's going to get court-martialled... I have thought about it a lot," he said.

Michael Fassbender tipped young British actor Jack O'Connell for the role. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images)

In terms of casting, Fassbender feels that 26-year-old Jack O'Connell would be great in a role. He also suggested the possibility of the first ever 'Jane Bond'. "I just love Bond. Doesn't everyone? I grew up with him," he said. "It's always a fun conversation to have. But Bond should be someone in their early 20s... I always thought Bond should be British, but let's get an American in or maybe someone like Jack O'Connell would be good? "Or even better, how about Jane Bond? A woman. One thing is for sure, it won't be anyone on the bookies' lists. It never is." Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live