'A way to elevate the franchise': Cillian Murphy in the running to be the next James Bond

Cillian Murphy is in contention to be the next James Bond.

007 bosses are still searching for a new leading man after Daniel Craig bowed out as the spy in 2021's 'No Time To Die' and the 'Oppenheimer' star has caught the eye after his performance in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster – which could land him the Oscar for Best Actor this weekend.

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Cillian is the toast of Hollywood right now and this would be the ultimate role.

"This is a way to elevate the Bond franchise with an actor who is at the very top of his game."

Work on the next Bond flick isn't due to begin until next year at the earliest but Cillian, 47, has been backed to play the legendary spy by his 'Oppenheimer' co-star Clay Bunker – who believes he will bring a darker edge to the suave character.

Clay said: "He would fare beautifully.

"It's funny because Cillian is the nicest human but has that dark side and there's a darkness to Bond.

"We forget that sometimes Bond is like the character (Ian) Fleming created – a pretty dark character. He just happens to be on the side we call good. Cillian has the ability to tap into that.

"We've seen that in something like 'Peaky Blinders', even in Batman when he is playing Scarecrow – the myriad of other films he's done. But he himself has goodness."

The actor added: "He's got a focus thing, which is very James Bond as well. When he's on a mission, he can do it.

"Cillian has tapped into all that. He can do anything."

Fellow 'Oppenheimer' star Christina Hogue says that the conclusion of 'No Time To Die' provides the perfect opportunity to introduce Cillian as the new 007.

She said: "It leaves the canvas wide open for something entirely new.

"And when Daniel Craig did it, he was breaking a mould."