Idris Elba was one of the first actors to have his name bandied around when the future of Craig’s 007 tenure was thrown into question.
Elba can next be seen playing villain Krall in Star Trek Beyond which is released in cinemas today (22 July).
His association with the role led to controversy when Anthony Horowitz – author of recent James Bond novel Trigger Mortis – claimed Elba was “too street” for the role.
The British actor remained coy in an interview with Good Morning America, branding it “the wildest rumour in the world.”