James Bond producers say Idris Elba is 'in the running' to be the next 007, and he is 'part of the conversation.'

Following Daniel Craig's last outing as Bond, one of the most sought-after roles in cinema is back up for grabs, with producer Barbara Broccoli stating that "a lot of fans want to see Idris Elba in a tuxedo."

Barbara Broccoli co-produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Specter, with her brother Michael G Wilson.

Following Daniel Craig's final outing as 007 in the most recent Bond film, No Time To Die, one of the most sought after and iconic roles in cinema is now up for grabs.

Elba, who stars in Luther's crime drama, is frequently mentioned as a possible successor.

The 49-year-old has appeared in films such as Concrete Cowboy, Pacific Rim, and Thor: Ragnarok.

Broccoli addressed the speculation about who will play Bond next after being told that "many fans want to see Idris Elba in a tuxedo."

Broccoli, 61, explained: "We know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a fantastic actor.

"And, you know, it's been part of the conversation, but it's always challenging to have a conversation when someone is in the passenger seat.

If Elba is cast, he will become the seventh actor to play Bond in the franchise, following Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

Tom Hardy, Richard Madden, and Henry Cavill are among the other actors rumoured to be the next Bond.

Some consider Craig, 53, to be one of the best Bonds of all time.

Wilson, 80, said of his departure, "It's tough to see him go; he's a tough act to follow, as they say."

"I believe it will be difficult to continue, but we have set the bar high, and I believe it is a challenge we will have to face."