Ron Howard has backed Idris Elba to be the next James Bond.
Ron Howard
The revered director-and-producer has been working with the British actor on the big screen adaptation of Stephen King's 'The Dark Tower'.
Howard - who is co-producing the film with Nikolaj Arcel directing - has got to see what Idris has to offer first hand and he thinks he definitely has the right "presence" to portray 007.
Speaking to Radio Times magazine, Ron said: "He's got such a presence, and is so cool. I'd love to see him as Bond."
It was widely believed that current Bond star Daniel Craig was going to walk away from the franchise after four outings as the British spy, with the most recent being 2012's 'Spectre', but it has now been reported that 007 producer Barbara Broccoli has arranged for the 48-year-old actor to be offered $150 million to continue as the character.
One confirmed departure from the franchise is director Sam Mendes who is now finished with Bond after helming the last movie and 2013's 'Skyfall'.
Idris is among the names that have made a shortlist of actors drawn up by MGM bosses who are in the running to replace Craig if he does quit.
He is joined on that list by 'Poldark' star Aidan Turner, 'Fast and Furious' actor Luke Evans, Thor's Tom Hiddleston, 'X-Men' star Michael Fassbender and 'Pacific Rim' hunk Charlie Hunnam.
Idris recently appeared to rule himself out of taking on the iconic role by claiming that, at 43, he is too old to portray the daredevil secret service agent.
The 'Luther' star said: "I keep saying if it were to happen it would be the will of a nation because there hasn't been any talks between me and the studio about any of that. But everywhere I go people want that to happen."
He added: "But if I'm really honest, I think I'm too old for that man, running around in cars and ladies and martinis, who wants to do that? Sounds terrible."
The bandwagon for Idris to become the first black James Bond has sparked much controversy.
Former 007 Sir Roger Moore stated he thinks Bond should be "English-English," prompting Idris to remind him he was "born and raised in England".
Whilst 007 author Anthony Horowitz caused a public outcry and was forced to apologise when he suggested Idris was "too street" to play Bond.
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