James Bond Producers Want To Idris Elba but He May say No
No one has yet been cast as James Bond. After British actor Idris Elba said he does not see Bond when he “looks in the mirror,” 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson tackled the rumours of Elba portraying the new James Bond in a new interview with Variety.
“We love Idris. The thing is, it’s [the next Bond film] going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-12-year commitment,” Broccoli added “So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing?’ Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”
From Casino Royale (2006) to No Time to Die (2021), Daniel Craig portrayed James Bond in a total of seven films. Fans have speculated that Elba will replace Craig as 007 ever since Craig’s contract was not renewed, and Broccoli has even admitted that the actor was “a part of the conversation” when it came to casting.
“Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor. And, you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat,” Broccoli said to Deadline in January. “I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savor, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.”
Broccoli stated in June that the 26th 007 film will “reinvent” Bond and that there is currently no person in consideration for the role. Broccoli also revealed that filming on the next Bond movie will not begin until 2025.