Idris Elba on possiblity of playing next James Bond: 'I've always felt that it's not a realistic thing'

English actor Idris Elba has broken his silence on the reports surrounding 'James Bond', and has put all James Bond rumours to rest.

The 53-year-old acclaimed actor, who tends to play heroic characters and currently stars in 'Masters of the Universe' alongside Nicholas Galitzine, has been tipped to take over the 007 role since before Daniel Craig's departure in 2021.

The actor said that the rumors were "never legit". He told GQ, "I've always felt that it's not a realistic thing. James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don't go for that. James Bond is big all over the world. And (audiences) won't (all) go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That's not what they like in their culture. Period".

He also said he doesn't necessarily think that James Bond should change, as he said, "James Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try and make it woke. I think you've got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don't try and answer the world's taste. Just be James Bond".

Social media is abuzz with speculation about which actor will be the next Bond, considering that auditions have officially started.

Prolific casting director Nina Gold is leading the charge for Amazon MGM Studios, who took creative control of the franchise last year. The next Bond movie is set to be directed by "Dune" helmer Denis Villeneuve, and Variety has heard that he and the studio are looking for someone on the younger side to step into James Bond's shoes.


Tom Francis, the 26-year-old British actor best known for his Olivier-winning role opposite Nicole Scherzinger in the stage musical 'Sunset Boulevard', has already auditioned, a source told Variety last month. Other stars heavily rumored to be in the mix include Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner.