Pierce Brosnan backs Idris Elba to play James Bond

Pierce Brosnan has backed Idris Elba to play James Bond.

The 61-year-old actor - who played the fictional British spy in four films from 1994 to 2002 - thinks 'The Gunman' star would be great in the iconic role and is tipping him as a worthy successor to current 007 Daniel Craig.

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When asked if he thought Elba would make a good Bond, Brosnan said: "Yeah, he would actually. Colin Salmon also. May the best man get the job."

Brosnan also revealed he's a big fan of Craig's interpretation of the character and hopes he stays on as the star of the franchise beyond his upcoming fourth outing in Spectre.

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Speaking to Radio Times magazine, he said: "Daniel has made his mark gloriously ... May Daniel bring home the bacon for as long as he wants."

Elba has been repeatedly linked to the iconic role and has admitted he would accept the part of Bond if it was offered to him.

Brosnan says Idris Elba is his pick to play the fictional British spy. Photo: Getty Images

During a Q&A on website Reddit he was asked if he was interested in portraying the suave spy, to which he replied: "Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely."

However, Elba, 42, has insisted he wouldn't want his portrayal to be defined by the fact he would be the first "black Bond".

In a previous TV interview, he said: "We don't say 'white Bond' we just say 'Bond', so it suddenly becomes a black man and he's a 'black Bond'; I hate that phrase."