Idris Elba Sparks James Bond Casting Frenzy With Viral Video That Leaves Fans Guessing
By Fiyin Olowokandi on December 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM EST
Idris Elba could be the next 007, and fans couldn't be more excited for it!
The “Hijack” actor posted a video of himself posing with several wax figures of former James Bond stars, sparking more rumors that he could be next in line to portray the popular protagonist.
Elba previously spoke about being potentially cast as the next James Bond, noting that the idea became "off-putting" to him because the public turned it into a race-centered discussion.
Excited Fans ‘Need’ To See Idris Elba Play The Next James Bond
Elba recently took to TikTok to share a video of himself standing alongside a lineup of wax figures depicting actors who have played James Bond in the past, including Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Daniel Craig, and Sean Connery.
He captioned the video, “Wifey made me do it.” Meanwhile, Elba’s wife, Sabrina, spoke about the video during a recent appearance on “Good Morning America.”
“I have re-fueled the fire, haven’t I? I just thought it would be funny. But look how good he looks in that lineup!” she said, per People Magazine.
Sure enough, fans on TikTok went into a frenzy over the video, with some guessing that the 53-year-old actor may end up being the next James Bond, after all.
“Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is Idris Elba as James Bond. Please and thank you,” one wrote. “Not just the Bond we want… the Bond we NEED,” another penned.
One fan wrote, “Do not tease, sir. Some of us Americans are quite fragile now,” and another asked, “Confirmed or rage bait?”
Playing James Bond Has Become ‘Off-Putting’ For Idris Elba
This is not the first time fans have speculated that Elba might play the next 007 character. When the rumors first began, the “A House of Dynamite” actor discussed them, saying that the racial undertone of the speculations didn’t sit well with him.
While he acknowledged that playing James Bond would be a significant achievement in his career, he lost interest in it because the discussion became centered on race.
"Those who 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," Elba shared, according to The Blast.
Tom Holland Would Also Be Thrilled To Play The Next James Bond
Idris Elba isn’t the only actor rumored to play the famous character. 29-year-old Tom Holland was also speculated to be one of the actors being considered for the role.
Holland addressed the speculations about his involvement in the movie franchise, saying that getting the opportunity to play James Bond would certainly be one of the biggest highlights in his career.
While discussing with Gordon Ramsey, the celebrity chef asked Holland if he would love the opportunity to play James Bond, and, per The Blast, he said:
“Every young British actor, it's the pinnacle of working in our industry. I already consider myself to be the luckiest kid alive, you know? I could never have dreamed [of having] the career that I've had.”
Daniel Craig Gave His Vote On Who Should Play The Next James Bond
While some people would love to see Holland play Bond, others are looking forward to seeing different actors on the screen.
Daniel Craig, who starred in five James Bond movies, cast his vote on the next actor to play the character, and he reportedly chose Josh O’Connor for the role.
According to The Blast, an insider shared that Craig has “all but publicly announced he thinks Josh O'Connor should be the next 007." The former Bond actor is reportedly impressed with O'Connor since he starred on Netflix's "The Crown."
The source added that Craig’s vote matters “a lot” because producer Barbara Broccoli takes his word “incredibly seriously,” especially in casting matters of great importance such as this.
Dune Director Denis Villeneuve Is Set To Direct The Next James Bond Movie
Although there are still many speculations regarding the next actor to fill James Bond's shoes, a director has already been chosen.
People Magazine confirmed that Dune director Denis Villeneuve will direct the next movie, marking the 26th film in the franchise. It will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios, under the supervision of producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
Speaking on his newly assigned role, Villeneuve shared that he is a “die-hard Bond fan” and expressed excitement at being chosen to direct the new film.
