AceShowbiz - Richard Madden is now reportedly a top contender to be the new James Bond. The British actor, who is best known for his role as Robb Stark on HBO's hit series "Game of Thrones", is going to be offered the lead role in "Bond 26", according to The Mail On Sunday as quoted by The Sun.

According to the site, the Bond movie franchise producer Barbara Broccoli is "seriously" considering the 32-year-old British actor as a candidate to replace Daniel Craig. "It's seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job," a source allegedly says. "Not only is he on top of Barbara's list, but she is preparing to offer the role."

Madden has been put in contention for the coveted role for some time, along with other names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston and Henry Cavill. His father Richard Sr. has confirmed Madden's desire to be the next Bond, saying in September, "I'm quite sure he does want that to be on his CV one day but he's not making a song and dance about it."

Following his three-season stint on "Game of Thrones", Madden went on to star in Disney's live-action "Cinderella" as Prince Kit. He also starred opposite Idris Elba in "Bastille Day" a.k.a. "The Take (2016)" and joined the cast of Netflix's romantic comedy movie "Ibiza" which was released in May this year. He currently leads British drama series "Bodyguard" and will be seen in upcoming Elton John fantasy biopic "Rocketman".

Craig, meanwhile, reprises his role as the 007 agent for one last time in the still-untitled "Bond 25". Production on the new installment of the spy movie series is now scheduled to start in March 2019, while the release date has been pushed back to February 14, 2020, following the departure of original director Danny Boyle. Cary Fukunaga has since been hired as the replacement.