James Bond favourite Idris Elba has revealed he’s never been seriously in contention for the iconic, coveted role as the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement continues.
Idris Elba being the new Bond has been the rumour mill subject for years now – but to the disappointment of fans, it doesn’t look like he’ll be jumping in the Aston Martin any time soon.
When asked by how he felt about his name being “thrown out” as a potential star of the upcoming 007 reboot, Idris replied: “My name’s not getting thrown out, no way.
“They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck in the world. I can’t wait – it’s going to be amazing,” he told People.
View 4 ImagesIdris has long been a fan-favourite to play Bond(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
The Luther star went on to say he was “not in the race ever. I wasn’t in the race in the first place”, despite strong speculation he would be the first Black actor to play the role.
Idris previously spoke on the Bond rumours back in 2023, the actor admitted he was “super complimented”, but also said he was put off by the experience when the conversation became about race.
He said at the time: “We’re all actors and we understand that that role is one of those sort of coveted types. It’s like being names Sexiest Man Alive.
View 4 ImagesDaniel Craig was the last actor to take on the iconic role(Image: PA)
“But being asked to be James Bond was like, ‘Okay, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle. Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world – except for some corners, which we will not talk about – were really happy about the idea that I could be considered.”
Referring to people who were staunchly opposed to him playing Bond due to his skin colour, Idris continued: “Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it.”
Casting for the new James Bond began last week after years of anticipation and speculation over who will be next to fill the iconic shoes.
View 4 ImagesIt’s been five years since the last Bond movie was released(Image: Sony Pictures)
Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement: “The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
It’s been five years, since the release of the latest Bond movie, No Time To Die, saw Daniel Craig in his final performance as the British secret agent.
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While we don’t know much about the new movie, Amazon MGM has announced the film will be directed by Dune’s Dennis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
According to reports by Variety, Nina Gold, one of Hollywood’s leading casting directors who has worked on the Paddington, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Mamma Mia! franchises, is leading the search for the next Bond.
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