Could Cara Delevingne be the next Bond girl? Valerian star 'impressed 007 execs'

Having bagged big screen roles in Zoolander 2, Suicide Squad and Pan, Cara Delevingne has now emerged as the frontrunner to play the next Bond girl.

According to the Mirror, 007 producers are on the hunt for an actress that can play a "kick-ass, strong character" in the next instalment of the spy franchise and the 24-year-old model and actress "ticks many boxes".

"Cara really is killing it at the moment. She had an amazing modelling early run, and her transition into acting has been astonishing," a movie source told the publication.

"Her sizzling looks and ability to transform into many different characters on screen really gives her a unique edge. MGM mostly like to pick actresses just on the cusp of becoming big and helping that push, that is where is at."

Despite focusing on her budding film acting career, the British beauty is still one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. The catwalk queen would be in good company if she secures the coveted Bond job. Monica Bellucci, also a former model, played femme fatale Lucia Sciarra in 2015's Spectre.

Insiders claim that James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli believes Delevingne will appeal to millennials and considers her screen fighting experience to be an added bonus. "They also feel she could play a fierce spy working alongside the main protagonist who of course can play both sides," the insider adds. "This role would not be arm candy, but a kick-ass strong character."

Delevingne can next be seen starring alongside Dane DeHaan in sci-fi epic Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets. The duo play planet-hopping special agents in the 28th century tasked with protecting humanity.

Meanwhile, Daniel Craig appears to have had a change of heart after stating he would rather "slit my wrists" than reprise his role as the enigmatic Bond. A source told the Mirror: "It's taken time but Daniel has come round and the strong consensus in the Bond offices is that Mr Craig is 007 again."