James McAvoy has been tipped to play James Bond creator Ian Fleming in a new movie.

The Atonement actor has reportedly been approached to star as the writer in a biopic about his colourful life, including his role in World War II, his playboy lifestyle and his work as a journalist.

Although a source has denied McAvoy is "attached" to the movie, based on Andrew Lycett's biography of Fleming, Britain's The Independent newspaper reports a formal approach is thought to have been made to secure the Scottish star's involvement.

McAvoy is the second Hollywood star to be linked to a big screen biopic about Fleming - Leonardo DiCaprio and his production company announced in 2008 they will be producing a picture about the author.