Donald Trump pulled out of playing the US president in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No, a sequel to the cult disaster movie Sharknado, in order to make his real life bid for the White House, it has emerged.

Makers of the film said Mr Trump was in "serious talks" for the part in 2015 and was "thrilled" at the prospect.

Ryan Newman as Claudia Shepard, left, and Jack Griffo as Billy appear in a scene from "Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!"

But they were then told it was "not the best time" because he was "thinking about making a legitimate run for the presidency," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The role would have included a scene in which the fictional president shoots killer sharks inside the White House.

Sarah Palin had been first choice to play the president but declined.

Sarah Palin

After Mr Trump decided to run for the real presidency the part eventually went billionaire business mogul Mark Cuban. Mr Cuban has been a high profile critic of Mr Trump's presidency.

According to the Hollywood Reporter Mr Trump's connection with the film came about through its star Ian Ziering.

Mr Ziering, a former star of Beverly Hills 90210, had got to know Mr Trump while filming Celebrity Apprentice.

Mr Trump has appeared in numerous films as himself including Zoolander and Home Alone 2. He has also featured in TV shows including Sex and the City and Spin City, as well as an appearance at WrestleMania in 2007.