Damian Lewis is best known for his role in Homeland
The 'Idris Elba for Bond' clamour might be silenced soon.
Homeland star Damian Lewis has reportedly been given 'an unofficial nod' as the first choice for 007 if Daniel Craig, who has played the British secret agent in four films, quits the franchise. (Also Read:
After Wolverine, Hugh Jackman Wants to be James Bond)
A report in
Mirror quotes a source as saying, "If Daniel Craig leaves, it's Damian Lewis who will be crowned the new Bond. He is seen as an all-round international star who is perfect for the role. As he ages, he looks increasingly suave and sophisticated."
Damian Lewis, 44, won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of US marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody in
Homeland. Other notable roles include that of Major Richard Winters in the show
Band of Brothers and as Henry VIII in
Wolf Hall.
Luther star Idris Elba has long been at the head of a list of potential future Bonds, with fans lobbying for him to be cast as the first black 007.
Author Anthony Horowitz, writer of a new Bond book, provoked an outcry last month after dismissing Idris Elba as "too street" to play the suave secret agent. Hugh Jackman just said he wouldn't mind a licence to kill and
Superman star Henry Cavill, who was reportedly the other final contender for the role when Daniel Craig was cast in
Casino Royale, has said he'd like to "take it off" Daniel's hands someday. The names of Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender have cropped up and singer Sam Smith, the voice behind the theme for next Bond film
SPECTRE, has picked footballer David Beckham as a possible successor to Daniel Craig.
However, as per the Mirror report, 'Bond bosses are now convinced Damian is their man.'
Daniel Craig, 47, has already hinted he is ready to step down after the release of
SPECTRE in November. However, according to Mirror's sources, Daniel could be offered a sum impossible to refuse to stay on for more martinis shaken and not stirred if
SPECTRE does well.
Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond before Daniel from 1994 to 2005, speculated last week that any new 007 would be a white male, in line with the original book character created by novelist Ian Fleming. The actor told the
Press Association, "Anything is possible for sure, but I think he'll be male and he'll be white."
Meanwhile,
SPECTRE will release worldwide on November 6.