"12 Years" star Ejiofor named for Bond villain role

Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is in the frame to become the villain of James Bond film number 24, directed by Sam Mendes.

Ejiofor, who received multiple nominations for his performance as Solomon Northrup in "12 Years a Slave," has been named as frontrunner for the position by sources in contact with TheWrap.

There is a note of caution, however, as Ejiofor "does not have an official offer yet and is not in formal talks," the outlet notes.

Sam Mendes directed Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw in the previous Bond film, "Skyfall," and will do so again for the next outing, while Ejiofor is part of the ensemble cast in action movie "Triple Nine," expected 2015; the as-yet untitled "Bond 24" is targeting a release date of October 23, 2015.