Idris Elba is not interested in stepping into the shoes of notable British Secret Intelligence AgentJames Bond, dousing rumors of his casting after the departure ofGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mysterystar Daniel Craig from the role. Elba has been one of the more prominent names circling the revolving rumor mill, but the veteran actor does not see the iconic role as a desirable career goal, indicating that he is not the guy for the illustrious part.
Elba’s name began to surface as a strong contender for the role after Craig’s final stint as the character in 2021’sNo Time To Die. Craig first appeared asJame Bondin 2006’sCasino Royaleand played the iconic character for over a decade, appearing in five films as the charismatic secret agent. Elba’s casting would mark the first time in the character’s history that a Black man would play the iconic figure, but theThree Thousand Year’s Of Longingstar toldThe Shoppodcast he is in no hurry to fill the void
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During the interview, Elba was asked aboutthe James Bond casting rumorsand weighed in with his thoughts when questioned about his desire to play the role. “It is not a goal for my career,” expressed Elba. “I don’t think that playing Bond, you know, will satisfy some of my personal goals.” However, Elba continued by acknowledging that his casting would satisfy the “will of a nation” that has been eager to see theBeaststar take on the alluring figure.
As stated, Elba has been a consistent name mentioned inthe James Bond discussion, and while Elba does not believe he is the man for the role, he welcomes the debate and the doors it may open for casting. “I’m not that guy, but in everyone’s world, I might be, and that, job done,” stated Elba. “Because the truth is, you know, a lot of people are really seeing Idris playing Bond as the ‘alternative Bond.’ And as long as that alternative is existing, that’s great for the growth of f*** casting.”
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has been relatively quiet about the future of the emblematic franchise afterCraig’s departed from the James Bond role, but she has indicated that she believes the next Bond centerpiece should be a British man of any ethnicity. Elba embodies what some consider exceptional characteristics synonymous with the character, but the decision ultimately is in the hands of those with the final say on the matter. It is unclear when the reveal of the nextJames Bondwill surface, but until then, Elba will continue to be a prominent candidate until the scorching rumors evaporate into memory.
