Damian Lewis has reportedly become the producers' first choice to play the new James Bond, if Daniel Craig says goodbye to the role.
According to the Sunday Mirror, the former "Homeland' star has been given 'an unofficial nod' that he would be the first in line to step in as the new 007 agent.
Such reports follow Craig's recent hints that 2015's "Spectre' could be his last Bond film.
"If Daniel Craig leaves, it's Damian Lewis who will be crowned the new Bond," a source told the publication. "He is seen as an all-round international star who is perfect for the role. As he ages, he looks increasingly suave and sophisticated. Bond bosses are now convinced Damian is their man."
Craig also previously suggested that the upcoming November release of the new Bond movie will be his final one in the franchise.
When asked if he prefers to work on another Bond film, the 47-year-old actor responded: "At this moment, no. I've got a life and I've got to get on with it a bit. But we'll see."
There have already been a number of rumors about which actor could be taking the role; these include Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender and Idris Elba gracing the headlines to possibly take the leading role in future Bond movies.
As for Pierce Brosnan, who previously portrayed the fictional secret service agent, he recently stirred controversy when he stated his opinion of wanting the next 007 actor to be white and male.
The 62-year-old actor, who played Bond from 1994 to 2005 before turning over the role to Craig, said 007 should be deemed as 'all man'.
"Anything is possible for sure, but I think he'll be male and he'll be white," Brosnan told the Press Association.
"There's wonderful black actors out there who could be James Bond, and there's no reason why you cannot have a black James Bond," he further explained about his sentiments on a new Bond actor. "But a female James Bond, no, I think it has to be a male. James Bond is a guy, he's all male. His name is James, his name is James Bond."
As for the upcoming "Spectre' film, Craig will learn about the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE; he will star alongside "ŽMonica Bellucci, Christoph Waltz, "ŽLéa Seydoux, Jesper Christensen, Ralph Fiennes and Dave Bautista, among others.
"Spectre' makes its way to theaters on Oct. 6.
