The Muslim actor, however, reveals that 'no-one is coming to me for that job.'

• Aug 8, 2018

AceShowbiz - Riz Ahmed can see himself as the first Asian James Bond.

Although Daniel Craig is reprising his version of 007 for Danny Boyle's upcoming "Bond 25", speculation is rife about who will be taking over when he's finally done with the role.

Some have called for a female sleuth, while others have backed Idris Elba to become the first black Bond. And now Muslim actor Riz has suggested it's time for an Asian incarnation.

"Any stretching the mould of what our traditional archetypes are appeals to me. So, yes, those classic stories, be it a superhero or James Bond, I don't want to speculate but I think they're great films. Bond keeps evolving," he told British GQ, adding that there still aren't enough opportunities for actors who come from similar backgrounds to him.

The first brown Bond? ‘I want to break the mould’ @rizahmed might be Britain's most pessimistic optimist. On Brexit: a rolling boulder the nation will outrun. On Trump's travel ban: a proto-fascist lurch its opponents will resist. And on faces like his being denied lead roles: well, the first Emmy-winning actor of Asian descent has a three-point plan for change. From death and James Bond to art and toothpaste, the bright young cynic is our September cover star. LINK IN BIO to download the full interview now. (📸 by @alexilubomirski) Interview by @stuart.mcgurk, styling by @julieragolia. Suit and sweater by @zegnaofficial // Follow #GQ Editor @dylanjonesgq

A post shared by British GQ (@britishgq) on Jul 27, 2018 at 4:03am PDT

"It's not changing fast enough," he sighed. "People go 'Well there aren't the people around.' It's not true! They're just not on the traditional conveyor belt."

Proud to be representing on the cover of @britishgq this month. Thank you everyone for your support so far, let’s shake things up. Shout out to these emerging designers @nourhage_ @itohnewdelhi 📸 by @alexilubomirski Styling: @julieragolia Story by Stuart McGurk

A post shared by Riz Ahmed (@rizahmed) on Jul 29, 2018 at 10:47am PDT

When it comes to the race for Bond, one actor who has ruled himself out is Hollywood hardman Jason Statham.

Asked at the U.S. premiere of his new film "The Meg" if he would be interested in the part, he bluntly replied: "No-one is coming to me for that job."

Earlier this year, bookmaker Paddy Power slashed the odds of Tom Hardy, Riz's co-star in new flick "Venom", landing the coveted spy role. He overtook previous favourite James Norton, as well as Jack Huston, Aidan Turner, Idris, Tom Hiddleston and Michael Fassbender.