Idris Elba, best known for his roles in ‘Luther’ and ‘The Wire,’ is directing one of Hollywood’s most enduring rumors. The 53-year-old actor says he has never been in serious contention to play James Bond, despite years of speculation surrounding his potential casting as the iconic spy. The comments came as Elba stepped out for the premiere of her new film ‘Masters of the Universe’ in Los Angeles.Speaking with PEOPLE at the event, Elba was asked how he felt about having his name thrown around as a potential star in the upcoming 007 reboot. “My name will not be thrown out, not at all,” he replied. “They’re going to be younger. And I wish them all the luck in the world. I can’t wait, it’s going to be amazing.” He added: “Honestly, I’m never in the race. First of all, I wasn’t in the race.”
Idris Elba on James Bond Rumors and Why He Was ‘Disabled’
This is not the first time Elba has faced speculation. In 2023, while appearing on the ‘Smartless’ podcast hosted by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, he spoke more candidly about his feelings on the subject. While he described being “super flattered” by the rumours, he also explained why the experience ultimately left a sour taste.“To have asked to be James Bond: ‘OK, you’ve reached the top,'” he said at the time. “Basically, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world, except for some corners we won’t talk about, was very happy with the idea that it could be considered.” He added: “Those who were unhappy with the idea made the whole thing disgusting and disgusting because it became about race. It became a nonsense, and I took the weight.’Elba’s name first entered the Bond conversation in a significant way when a leaked 2014 email from a film director revealed that he felt he “should be the next Bond.” The role was last played by Daniel Craig in 2021’s No Time To Die, with previous Bond actors including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton.
Idris Elba in the new movie ‘Masters of the Universe’
With Bond firmly off the table, Elba is focused on his latest project, ‘Masters of the Universe’, a fantasy action film based around the hero He-Man. Elba plays Duncan, one of He-Man’s closest allies, and revealed at the premiere that the franchise holds a special place in his childhood memories.“‘Masters of the Universe’ was my thing,” he said. “It was something I watched a lot as a kid. To play Duncan and change him, to make him look like me, was a real treat. I was a bit comical and big, and that’s what I went for.”He also touched on the physical demands of the role. “I’ve done quite a few action films in the last three years. Some are more cerebral action, like ‘Hijack,’ but this one has been a lot of fighting. I have to be in shape to be able to run and punch,” he said.As for who will be playing Bond in the upcoming reboot, no official casting has been done. The search for the next 007 continues, with the franchise yet to confirm its lead.
