A couple of weeks ago a leaked email from Sony indicated that studio co-chairman Amy Pascal wanted Britsh star Idris Elba (Luther, Thor: The Dark World) to take on the role of James Bond, and now the actor has responded to the speculation – and the criticism from the likes of US talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who feel that Bond should be played by a white actor…

Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people. pic.twitter.com/3g9lAl2Uo3 — Idris Elba (@idriselba) December 27, 2014

Elba has previously admitted that he’d accept the role of 007 if offered, so it seems we may have found Daniel Craig’s successor, if Amy Pascal gets her way…

Production is currently underway on the 24th Bond film, SPECTRE, with Skyfall helmer Sam Mendes directing a cast that includes returning stars Daniel Craig as James Bond, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny, Ralph Fiennes as M and Jesper Christensen as Mr. White, alongside newcomers Andrew Scott (Pride) as Denbigh, Lea Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Colour) as Madeleine Swann, Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) as Mr. Hinx, Monica Bellucci (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) as Lucia Sciarra and Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) as Oberhauser.