American rapper Kanye West has backed Idris Elba to be the next James Bond, calling the British actor a 'big talent'.
West, 37, said making Elba the first black actor to play the famous spy would be 'visionary', reported Independent online.
His comments follow speculation that Elba is the favourite to take on the role next after a leaked email from Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal allegedly said that "Idris should be the next Bond."
"James Bond is a role made for British actors and you won't find a British actor who has the talent of Idris. To be honest you won't find many anywhere who have his talent... A black Bond would be visionary no doubt," West said.
West is the latest celebrity to back the Hackney-born actor to play Bond after a minority of commentators said the British spy should not be played by a black actor.
Elba responded to the speculation in a humorous tweet earlier this week.
"Isn't 007 supposed to be handsome? Glad you think I have got a shot! Happy New Year people," he wrote.
