James Bond boss says Idris Elba is 'part of the conversation' to be next 007

Elba and Tom Hardy seem to be the frontrunners

With rumours still spiralling with just about every British actor, it has been revealed that Idris Elba is "part of the conversation" going on to determine the next James Bond. Following Daniel Craig's final stint as 007 in No Time To Die, rumours and speculation have run rampant regarding who will take up the mantle next.

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While Elba has always been a frontrunner amongst fans, James Bond Boss Barbara Broccoli revealed that Elba had been mentioned even before Craig's finale. Speaking on Deadline's Crew Call podcast, Broccoli said: "Well, we know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor... it's been part of the conversation but it's always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat." [caption id="attachment_312887" align="alignnone" width="681"]

Elba's stint as Luther could bring a grittier approach to 007/Via BBC[/caption] A female Bond has been in demand for some time, with front runners including Gillian Anderson, Lashana Lynch, and Emily Blunt. But Broccoli has admitted that they will more than likely stick with a male bond which should not come as a surprise. She explained: "We want the actor to be British. [That's] the key thing,' she said. 'And British, as we know, can be many, many things. "I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to... well, we've all been able to savour [and] reap the benefits of Daniel's wonderful tenure, we're not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else, actors to play the role or storylines," She added: "We just want to live in the moment."