James Bond: Gemma Arterton wants a 'young actor of colour' as the next 007

Gemma Arterton has said that she would like to see a "younger actor of colour" be cast as the next James Bond.

The Funny Girl star, who previously appeared in Daniel Craig's second Bond outing Quantum of Solace, was asked who she'd like to be cast as the next 007 by The Guardian.

Arterton replied: "I’d love to see a younger actor of colour.

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"I think that’s probably the way it will go. That’s my two cents, anyway."

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the current bookies favourite to be cast as the next James Bond and has reportedly screen tested for the role even though he does currently have a packed schedule including Marvel movie Kraven the Hunter, a remake of The Fall Guy and Robert Eggers' upcoming take on Dracula.

A number of younger actors of colour have been linked with being the next James Bond including Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page who appeared as a spy in 2021's Netflix action movie The Gray Man.

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Gangs of London star Sope Dirisu has also seen his name put forward thanks to the action packed series which requires him to do extended fight scenes.

Danny Boyle, who was originally directing No Time to Die before departing over creative differences, has publicly said that his choice for the role would be Paapa Essiedu from The Lazarus Project, I May Destroy You and also Gangs of London.

Other current favourites for the role include Happy Valley star James Norton. He has commented on the speculation, saying: “it’s flattering to be in the conversation.”

Idris Elba, who has been linked with the role for the best part of a decade, recently confirmed that he would not be taking over from Craig.

The Luther star said: “You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with ‘J’ and ends with ‘B,’ but I’m not going to be that guy. I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am.”

Watch below: Gemma Arterton told to ditch her accent