Next James Bond film: Blitz director Steve McQueen rumoured to be in the running

The 55-year-old moviemaker enjoyed Oscar-winning success with 12 Years A Slave and is currently promoting his new film Blitz but insiders have claimed that Eon Productions are keen for him to take the reins on an instalment of their James Bond spy franchise,

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Steve is one of the UK’s best filmmakers and has an incredible vision. The word is that the Bond producers wanted to see if Steve would ever consider having a hand in one of the films and they got a positive response. It would be incredible if it came off.”

Little is known about the future of the spy franchise but following the departure of Daniel Craig - who had played the leading role for nearly 15 years - Aaron Taylor-Johnson was heavily rumoured to be stepping into his shoes.

Shortly afterwards, Hollywood director David Leitch spoke of his hopes that he would be able to make the film and praised the supposed casting. 

David told CinemaBlend.com: "He would be an amazing James Bond. I'll just go on the record like, I've never gotten to do enough action with Aaron, which is crazy.

"We've done Bullet Train and now, we've done The Fall Guy. What I really want to do is an action movie with him, because he's such an incredible athlete. Like Aaron is awesome. So, maybe we'll get that opportunity soon, and I'll get to direct Bond."

It was reported earlier this year that Eon Productions – the company behind the franchise – had contacted Aaron with a formal offer for the part and ex-Bond Pierce Brosnan gave his seal of approval to the potential casting.

During an appearance on The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTE Radio 1, Pierce said: "I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so."