Actor Idris Elba has long been suggested for the iconic role of James Bond now that Daniel Craig has retired as 007. However, the truth is that any talks weren't all that official.
Craig had a phenomenal run as James Bond, from the instant-classic Casino Royale to the heartbreaking conclusion that was No Time to Die, but there's yet to be any official word on who will pick up the mantle. At this point, it's just been several actors removing their hats from the ring, not adding.
According to The Guardian, Elba still gets questions about the well-spoken, suave spy all the time, but he's past it. He states that he holds an affinity for the James Bond franchise, even adding that he's tight with the 007 producers, but settles the rumor mill by calling them "just that": Rumors. "I can't speak for [the producers], but from my perspective, there's never been any sort of truth to any of it. It's a compliment, and it's an honor — but it's not a truth."
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James Bond casting rumors about Elba have predominately been a glut of fan speculation and wishful thinking. Even if those things are enough to get Tobey Maguire back as Spider-Man and Michael Keaton back as Batman, they probably won't determine who replaces Daniel Craig as the next 007. Elba has also been very busy, starring in everything from a DCU project to Cyberpunk 2077.
So, who's it going to be? Just as much speculation that surrounded Elba has surrounded Bullet Train's Aaron Taylor-Johnson. There's Kingsman: The Secret Service's Taron Egerton and Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page. Any of those three actors would satisfy fans and knock the role out of the park. There also doesn't need to be a new James Bond right now. For the most part, Craig's time as the character was well-received, even if not all of his movies garnered the same reception.
That said, fandom is what it is, and James Bond aficionados want more as soon as possible. But, at this point, the only thing that feels safe to say is it won't be Elba spinning towards the camera and firing a single shot, as he wouldn't want the James Bond gig even if it were offered to him. At least Elba fans have any number of recent and impending projects to pick from, as with or without a Walther PPK, he's one of the busiest performers in the industry.
Source: The Guardian