Barbara Broccoli would welcome a new James Bond of any sex or race.

Barbara Broccoli

Barbara Broccoli

The spy thriller franchise's boss is open to recruiting a black or female star into the leading role as 007, and insists they prefer to "push the envelope a little bit" when it comes to traditions.

The 57-year-old filmmaker told the Daily Mail: "These films tend to reflect the times so we always try to push the envelope a little bit. Anything is possible.

"Right now it's Daniel Craig, and I'm very happy with Daniel Craig, but who knows what the future will bring?"

Several actors have been linked to the role including 'Luther' star Idris Elba, Hugh Jackman, Tom Hiddleston, and most recently James Norton.

Even if Craig walks away from the franchise after the next movie, which is thought to be slated for release in 2019, he will have held the role for the longest of all the Bonds, 13 years.

Asked if he would be reprising his role, he said previously: "Yes. I couldn't be happier. I've been quite cagey about it. I've been doing interviews about it all day and people have been asking me and I've been kind of coy but I kind of felt like, if I was going to speak the truth, I should speak the truth to you. I think this is it. This is it. I just want to go out on a high note, and I can't wait."

He was forced to confirm he was returning to the franchise as he had previously said he would rather "slash [his] wrists" than star in another Bond movie, which he later admitted was a "really stupid" comment to make.

He shared: "Look, there's no point in making excuses about it, but it was two days after I'd finished shooting the last movie, I went straight to an interview, and someone said, 'Would you do another one?' Instead of saying something with style and grace, I gave a really stupid answer."