Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding has suggested that there is "an opportunity for change" with the next person to portray James Bond.
The actor is among the names being floated to take over from Daniel Craig when the latter steps down from the role after No Time to Die.
While he hasn't given anything away in terms of whether he is in line, the star has suggested that the "possibilities are endless" in terms of a more diverse casting choice.
"It is the opportunity for change," Golding told The Guardian. "Be it female, male, bi, gay, straight, trans, Asian, black, Latina.
"Now is the time in our history where it doesn't matter. That is the most amazing feeling. So the possibilities are endless."
Asked whether he had been approached, he joked: "I'm not being drawn into this trap!"
Golding said in a separate interview with Attitude (via PA Media) that it was an "honour" to be in the conversation around the role.
"It does seem to be a question that always comes up," he said. "It was definitely from Crazy Rich, maybe (the scene with) the white suit coming out of the park. (And) because I'm Asian and everybody's fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys.
"I don't know," the star continued. "It's an honour to even be in the conversation. It's one of the greatest film roles ever, you'd be stupid to be like, 'I don't want to do that shit.'
"It would be the wildest ride. I'm super excited to see Daniel Craig's last venture… but isn't it great that we're having that conversation? Isn't it great that people are like, 'OK, now's the time, why the hell can't we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?"
No Time to Die, the 25th James Bond movie, has a new release date of November 12 in the UK and November 20 in the US
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox
Need some positivity right now? Subscribe to Esquire now for a hit of style, fitness, culture and advice from the experts
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
