The action superstar claims he was approached by Bond bosses about portraying 007 as he prepared to reprise his mutant superhero Wolverine for 2003 blockbuster X2, and had to pass on the offer.

He tells Australian TV show The Project, "At the time I was just about to do X-Men 2 and I was like, 'Ah, I don't think it's the right time.'"

Craig was subsequently chosen to succeed Pierce Brosnan as Bond, but now the British actor is considering hanging up his suit following the release of Spectre later this year (15), Jackman admits he wouldn't mind a crack at the franchise.

Asked if he would be interested in playing Bond moving forward, he states, "I'd seriously consider it."

Craig recently admitted he has no current plans to appear in a fifth Bond movie, telling U.K. magazine Esquire, "At the moment I can't even conceive it... I have a life and I've got to get on with it a bit. But we'll see."

Jackman's comments emerge amid reports suggesting Tom Hardy is fast emerging as bookmakers' favourite to replace Craig, while former Homeland star Damian Lewis and The Wire's Idris Elba have also previously been linked to the role.

Elba also hit headlines in Bond-related news this week (begs31Aug15) after new 007 book writer Anthony Horowitz branded the Brit "a bit too rough" and "too street" to take on the suave role.

Horowitz apologised for his comments following a backlash, declaring, "I am mortified to have caused offence", but Elba simply laughed off the criticism by sharing a screen grab of the story on Instagram.com.

In the caption, he wrote, "Always keep smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts!... Learned that from the street!!"