Chiwetel Ejiofor Tipped to Play James Bond's Adversary in 24th Film

Chiwetel Ejiofor is tipped to star in the next James Bond film.

While Daniel Craig has been signed on to return as Bond, the 12 Years A Slave star caught the attention of producers looking to cast the new villain.

According to Variety producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are keen to enlist the Oscar nominated actor who is their first choice for the coveted role, but have yet to make a formal offer.

36-year-old Ejiofor is currently filming Z For Zachariah, with Chris Pine and Margot Robbie and is in training for his role in John Hillcoat's drama Triple Nine.

The actor would follow in the footsteps of legendary Bond villains such as Auric Goldfinger, Dr Julius No, the legendary Jaws and most recently, Javier Bardem who played the sinister Silva in Skyfall.

Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw are expected to reprise their roles of bureau boss M, his secretary Moneypenny and Q.

The producers are yet to cast the Bond Girls, but Variety reports that they are looking for a Scandinavian and a British beauty.

Sam Mendes, who directed Skyfall, will return to helm the new movie, written by John Logan.

The storyline of the 24th instalment of Sony and MGM's action franchise remains a closely guarded secret.

The movie is due for release on November 6, 2015, with filming set to kick off in the summer.