Since “No Time to Die” premiered on the big screens this month, fans of Britain’s super fictional spy are trooping to the cinemas to watch the newest installment of the “James Bond” franchise.
The blockbuster is the final chapter of Daniel Craig’s journey as the longest-running Bondman, having played the lead in the last four installments of the franchise. Somewhat inevitably, speculations have risen once more about who is the next James Bond character.
One name that has popped up in the past was Hollywood’s favorite, Idris Elba. The tall, muscular English actor is a known face in action films and has built a legacy that might be difficult to surpass.
Over the years, Elba has cited reasons for not seeing himself as the best fit to take on the 007 title. With Craig’s departure, fans are curious to know if “The Wire” star had reconsidered and might be willing to be the first black incarnate of the British spy.
Read on to find out Elba’s recent thoughts about the Bond role.
Idris Elba’s Decision
For fans that clamored to see the 49-year old take over from Craig, the actor recently came out to dash their hopes. In an interview with ITV London, the A-list star gave an emphatic response when asked about the possibility of serving as the new replacement.
“No, I’m not going to be James Bond,” Elba said. However, when quizzed further, the actor left the door open for a future enactment if the opportunity ever crossed his part.
“Who wouldn’t?” he added. “Come on, it’s an incredible role.”
Elba’s concluding remark might have reignited the fire in the heart of fans, who desire to see him on the big screen in the next installment.
Apparently, ex Bondman Pierce Brendan Brosnan also feels Elba is a good choice. “Idris Elba comes to mind,” Brosnan said in an interview with People. “Idris is such a powerful presence and such a great former voice tensity. He would be magnificent.”
Elba Believes He Is Too Old For The Role
This is not the first time Elba has disregarded the idea of playing James Bond. Back in 2016, the actor classified the notion as mere gossip.
“It’s the wildest rumor in the world,” Elba told ABC’s Good Morning America. “I keep saying if it was to happen, it would be the will of a nation because there have not been any talks with me and the studios about any of that. But everywhere I go people want that to happen.”
“I think I’m too old for that,” he added. “Running around in cars and ladies and martinis, who wants to do that? Sounds terrible.”
Despite seeing himself as too elderly to play the role, fans can attest that some of Craig’s predecessors were far advanced in age yet, they clinched the part. For now, the producers have kept mute on who is next in line to wear the crown.
Who Is The Next James Bond?
No one knows who the next James Bond might be. Surprisingly, Barbara Broccoli, a co-producer for the franchise, has no idea about Craig’s successor.
The 61-year old recently disclosed that the studio execs had no plans to choose a replacement for a while.
“We want Daniel Craig to have his time of celebration,” she said in a radio interview. “Next year we’ll start thinking about the future,” she noted.
In another interview with Total Film, the OBE alum iterated that Craig is the man of the moment.
“I always say: you can only be in love with one person at a time,” she said. “Once [No Time to Die] ‘s come out, then some time will pass, and then we’ll have to get on to the business of the future. But for now, we just cannot think about anything beyond Daniel.”
Many Future Possibilities
Although Broccoli dispelled any notions of picking a replacement soon, she gave some insight into what fans may expect in the future.
“It will have to be reimagined, in the way each actor has reimagined the role,” she said. “That’s what is so exciting and fun about this franchise; the character evolves. Eventually, when we have to think about it, we’ll find the right person.”
The producer further disclosed that James Bond could be any actor worth his salts, but he cannot be a woman for now.
“We should create roles for women, not just turn a man into a woman,” Broccoli added.
Fans of Elba have seen Brocolli’s statement as another glimmer of hope, in line with their dreams to see him as the new 007. But for now, they should keep their fingers crossed.
