Craig in a scene from Quantum of Solace. (Reuters)

Venice, Nov. 6: Now that the US has a black President-elect, the world could be ready for a black Bond, 007 actor Daniel Craig has said.

The prospect would probably have Ian Fleming turning in his grave, Craig joked at a news conference in Rome prior to the Italian premiere of the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

“After Barack Obama’s victory I think we might have reached the moment for a coloured 007. I think the role could easily be played by a black actor, because the character created by Ian Fleming in the Fifties has undergone a great deal of evolution,” Craig told the Agi news agency.

Fleming was not known for his liberal views and his books were laced with the racial prejudices of his era.

“I think he’d probably turn in his grave,” at the thought of a black Bond, said Craig, who as the first “blond Bond” came in for his fair share of criticism from traditionalist fans.

Craig, who is in Rome with his co-star, Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko, said he was delighted with the Democrats’ victory. “I’ve always been a fan of Obama. The political ideas that have emerged from his speeches seem to me to be genuine.” Last month Craig said that he thought Obama would make a better Bond than the Republican contender for the presidency, John McCain.