New James Bond film is set to star British Captain Marvel actress as 007

Ever since Daniel Craig announced he was standing down from playing James Bond, everyone wondered who would take over the iconic role ...

Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Michael Fassbender, Luke Evans, Charlie Hunnam and Tom Hiddleston have all had their names thrown around at one point or another.

But, fans don't have to wonder any more.

Thanks to the UK's Mail on Sunday, it has revealed been that British actress Lashana Lynch will be given Bond's licence to kill in the 25th movie in the franchise.

In the new film - which is currently being shot in Italy and the UK - Lynch won't play James Bond, but a new character who takes over his secret agent number after he leaves MI6.

According to sources, the story begins with Bond retired in Jamaica. But spymaster M – played by Ralph Fiennes – calls him back in desperation to tackle a new global crisis.

A movie insider said: "There is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says 'Come in 007', and in walks Lashana who is black, beautiful and a woman.

After her breakthrough role as the fighter pilot Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel, released earlier this year, Lynch is pegged to be the perfect person for the role.

"This is a Bond for the modern era who will appeal to a younger generation while sticking true to what we all expect in a Bond film," the source revealed. "There are spectacular chase sequences and fights, and Bond is still Bond but he's having to learn to deal with the world of #MeToo."

The source added that the phrase "Bond girls" is now forbidden, saying: "We were all told that from now on they are to be addressed as 'Bond women'."