.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1100&h=618&dpr=1.5)
Idris Elba is not interested in stepping into the shoes of notable British Secret Intelligence Agent James Bond, dousing rumors of his casting after the departure of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery star Daniel Craig from the role. Elba has been one of the more prominent names circling the revolving rumor mill, but the veteran actor does not see the iconic role as a desirable career goal, indicating that he is not the guy for the illustrious part.
Elba's name began to surface as a strong contender for the role after Craig's final stint as the character in 2021's No Time To Die. Craig first appeared as Jame Bond in 2006's Casino Royale and played the iconic character for over a decade, appearing in five films as the charismatic secret agent. Elba's casting would mark the first time in the character's history that a Black man would play the iconic figure, but the Three Thousand Year's Of Longing star told The Shop podcast he is in no hurry to fill the void
During the interview, Elba was asked about the James Bond casting rumors and weighed in with his thoughts when questioned about his desire to play the role. "It is not a goal for my career," expressed Elba. "I don't think that playing Bond, you know, will satisfy some of my personal goals." However, Elba continued by acknowledging that his casting would satisfy the "will of a nation" that has been eager to see the Beast star take on the alluring figure.
As stated, Elba has been a consistent name mentioned in the James Bond discussion, and while Elba does not believe he is the man for the role, he welcomes the debate and the doors it may open for casting. "I'm not that guy, but in everyone's world, I might be, and that, job done," stated Elba. "Because the truth is, you know, a lot of people are really seeing Idris playing Bond as the 'alternative Bond.' And as long as that alternative is existing, that's great for the growth of f*** casting."
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has been relatively quiet about the future of the emblematic franchise after Craig's departed from the James Bond role, but she has indicated that she believes the next Bond centerpiece should be a British man of any ethnicity. Elba embodies what some consider exceptional characteristics synonymous with the character, but the decision ultimately is in the hands of those with the final say on the matter. It is unclear when the reveal of the next James Bond will surface, but until then, Elba will continue to be a prominent candidate until the scorching rumors evaporate into memory.
Source: Uninterrupted/YouTube