The name's Elba. Idris Elba: Leaked Sony emails reveal boss Amy Pascal wants British actor to be James Bond

Actor Idris Elba could play James Bond, according to leaked Sony emailLondon-based Elba, 42, soared to fame with roles in The Wire and LutherCould replace Daniel Craig as 007 when his contract ends after next filmFilming currently underway in London for 24th James Bond movie Spectre 

British actor Idris Elba could become the next James Bond, according to leaked Sony emails.

Elba, 42, who has starred in The Wire and Luther, could replace Daniel Craig as the next 007 when his contract ends after the next film, if leaked emails are to be believed.

Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal allegedly told a top executive at Columbia Pictures, which distributes the Bond films, that 'Idris should be the next bond'.

It is latest piece of information to emerge from the Sony hacking scandal, which resulted in the cancelling of the Christmas Day release of The Interview.

British actor Idris Elba, 42 (left), who has starred in The Wire and Luther, could replace Daniel Craig, 46, (right) as the next James Bond when his contract ends after the next film, if leaked Sony emails are to be believed

Daniel Craig is signed up to play Bond for one more movie after next year's release of Spectre

Hackers threatened 9/11-style terrorist attacks on cinemas showing the comedy about two journalists – played by actors James Franco and Seth Rogen – who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The federal government confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea was behind the massive hack of Sony, which saw thousands of internal emails leaked.

According to the Daily Beast, an email sent on January 4 from Ms Pascal to Elizabeth Cantillon, former executive vice president of production for Columbia Pictures, simply said: 'Idris should be the next bond (sic).'

If Elba, from Hackney, east London, did follow in Daniel Craig's footsteps, he would become the first black James Bond. Previous actors to portray 007 on the big screen include Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore and Sean Connery.

Many have voiced support for Elba to play the British spy, including actor Jamie Foxx who said in an interview earlier this year that he was a big fan of the idea.

Elba himself has also previously expressed desire to play the British spy, telling website Reddit that he would take the role.

'Yes. if it was offered to me, absolutely,' he said.