Idris Elba, best known for his acclaimed roles in “Luther” and “The Wire,” sets the record straight on one of Hollywood’s most persistent rumors. The 53-year-old claimed he was never in serious competition to play James Bond, despite years of speculation surrounding his potential casting for the role of the famous spy.
These comments came while Elba was out to attend the premiere of his new movie “Masters of the Universe” in Los Angeles.While speaking with PEOPLE at the event, Elba was asked how he felt about his name being left out as a potential star of the upcoming 007 reboot. He replied: “Under no circumstances will my name be put forward.” “They’re getting younger. I wish them all the luck in the world. I can’t wait, it’s going to be amazing.” He added: “Honestly, I am not in the race at all.
“I wasn’t in the race in the first place.”
Idris Elba talks about James Bond rumors and why they’ve become ‘annoying’
This is not the first time Elba has addressed these speculations. In 2023, during an appearance on the “Smartless” podcast hosted by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, he spoke more candidly about his feelings on the issue. While he described being “highly supportive” of the rumors, he also explained why the experience ultimately left a bad taste.“When I was asked to be James Bond, it was like, ‘Okay, I’ve kind of reached the top,'” he said at the time.
“Basically, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world, except for some corners that we won’t talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered.” He added: “Those who were not happy with the idea made the whole thing disgusting and disgusting, because it had become about race.
“It just became bullshit, and I bore the brunt of it.”Elba’s name first entered the Bond conversation in a significant way when a leaked 2014 email from one of the film’s directors revealed that she felt he “should be the next Bond.”
Daniel Craig last played the role in 2021’s No Time To Die, with previous Bond actors including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton and others.
Idris Elba talks about his new movie “Masters of the Universe”
With Bond off the table, Elba is currently focusing on his latest project, “Masters of the Universe,” a fantasy action film centered around the hero He-Man. Elba plays Duncan, one of He-Man’s closest allies, and revealed in the premiere that the series holds a special place in his childhood memories.“‘Masters of the Universe’ was my favorite thing,” he said. “It was something I watched a lot of when I was a kid. Playing Duncan and changing him, making him look like me, was real fun. I had to be a bit comical and grown up, so I decided on that.”He also touched on the physical demands that the role imposes on him. “I’ve done quite a few action films over the past three years. Some of them were more thought-provoking like Hijack, but this one required a lot of fighting. I have to stay in shape so I can run and punch,” he said.As for who will eventually take on the role of Bond in the upcoming reboot, no official casting announcement has been made. The search for the next 007 continues, with the franchise yet to confirm its leader.