Idris Elba has shut down years of speculation about playing James Bond, saying he was never actually in contention for the iconic role. The 53-year-old actor told People magazine he is “honestly not in the race ever,” clarifying that he “wasn’t in the race in the first place.”
Elba attributed his exclusion from consideration to age, noting that the franchise is “going younger.” He expressed support for the search, saying “I wish them all the luck of the world. I can’t wait — it’s going to be amazing.”
Speculation about Elba as a potential Bond candidate has persisted since at least 2011, when he told NPR he would “definitely consider” the role. In 2018, he appeared to shut down the possibility with a simple “No” on “Good Morning Britain.” The recent comments come as Amazon MGM Studios has officially launched the search for the next 007, with director Denis Villeneuve attached and casting director Nina Gold leading the effort.
Sources
- Deadline — confirmed Elba’s statement that he was never in the race for James Bond
- TheWrap — reported Elba’s quote about the franchise going younger and the history of Bond casting rumors dating to 2011
- People — published Elba’s exclusive interview where he made the statements
