Elba has been long touted as a contender for the role when current star Daniel Craig steps down, even receiving support from another former Bond, Pierce Brosnan.

However, Moore is convinced a black Bond will never happen, telling Paris Match magazine, "A few years ago, I said that (American actor) Cuba Gooding, Jr. would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke... Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'... Nevertheless, it’s (British actor Elba playing the role) an interesting idea, but unrealistic."

Moore is the longest serving Bond, appearing in seven films between 1973 and 1985.