Idris Elba says he was never in the running for James Bond

Idris Elba has recently said that he was never in the running for the role of James Bond in the new 007 film. He shared the comments in an interview with People, where he addressed fan speculation that he might become the next live-action 00 agent.

Elba's comments on the role

The 53-year-old actor, known for roles in projects including The Wire and Sonic the Hedgehog , stressed that he was never directly considered for the James Bond role. "My name's not on the list, absolutely not," Elba said. "They're going for someone younger. And I wish them the best; I can't wait — it's going to be great."

The casting process led by Nina Gold

Amazon MGM is actively searching for the next James Bond, and according to Elba, Nina Gold, who previously worked on franchises such as Star Wars and Game of Thrones , is leading the casting process. So far, there is no indication of who will take on the role in the film directed by Denis Villeneuve.

Long-running speculation around Idris Elba

Elba's name has been linked to the 007 franchise for more than 15 years. Despite the ongoing calls for him to play Bond, it seems he himself is not interested in the role. In 2016, Elba said he felt "too old" for the character and described the rumors as the "wildest" he'd ever heard. In 2018, he even said "no" when asked about the role.

Reaction to racial debates and focus on other projects

In 2023, Elba said it was a huge honor that people believed he could play Bond, but that he found it "disgusting and abhorrent" when the discussion turned to race. That has fueled repeated debate, especially since former Bond Daniel Craig stepped away from the role in No Time to Die in 2021.

Despite the rumors surrounding his involvement, Elba is trying to move past the constant attention on the Bond role. He is currently focusing on other projects, including his new film Masters of the Universe , in which he plays Duncan.