David Oyelowo to voice James Bond for new audiobook

Los Angeles: Actor David Oyelowo has been selected to voice James Bond in "Trigger Mortis", an official 007 book written by Anthony Horowitz.

Oyelowo's voice casting was a direct invitation from the Fleming estate, and the 39-year-old actor said he was "very honoured" to be chosen for the same, said the Hollywood Reporter.

"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," he said.

"I was asked specifically by the Fleming estate, which is really special," he added. Speculation over the casting of a first black Bond onscreen refuses to abate, with Luther star Idris Elba continually linked with the role despite ruling himself out on numerous occasions.

Craig is set to play the iconic MI6 spy one more time after Spectre, which hits theaters on November 6.