UK based Nigerian David Oyelowo, The Next James Bond?

A UK based Nigerian, David Oyelowo is set to portray 007 and other characters in a recording of Trigger Mortis, a new Bond novel by Anthony Horowitz.

According to a report by the Guardian, Oyelowo, who was highly applauded for his portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr. in “Selma,” will play 007 and other characters in the official Bond book set for release Sept. 8.

David Oyelowo. Image Credit: www.hitfix.com

Guardian quoted Oyelowo as saying, “I was asked specifically by the [original author Ian] Fleming estate, which is really special..

“I am officially the only person on planet Earth who can legitimately say ‘I am the new James Bond’… even saying that name is the cinematic equivalent of doing the ‘to be or not to be’ speech.”

The announcement comes amidst recent debate as to whether a black actor — such as rumored frontrunner Idris Elba — would ever be cast as the famous British spy currently played by Daniel Craig.