He’d obviously be brilliant in the role.
All indications that Daniel Craig has one more James Bond movie left in him – the as-yet unnamed twenty-fifth instalment of the franchise, due to be directed by Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire).
Various names including Tom Hardy, Dan Stevens, Michael Fassbender and Tom Hiddleston have been mentioned to replace Craig. But one name keeps coming up: Idris Elba.
And it seems like it might actually happen. Earlier this week it was reported that series producer Barbara Broccoli has been speaking to director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) about the franchise, and he revealed that she said “it is time” for a non-white actor to take the role.
She said that it “will happen eventually”, and that Elba was in pole position to take the mantle of Bond.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a rep for Fuqua denied the story, and Idris Elba’s people said they knew nothing about it.
However, Elba clearly does now, as on Sunday morning he tweeted this:
my name’s Elba, Idris Elba. pic.twitter.com/kEyyaVg8JX
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018
Ok, that’s far from a confirmation. But it’s definitely him trying to throw his hat in the ring.
Other Black British actors who have been linked with the part include John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), and David Oyelowo (Selma, and who has actually voiced the character in audiobook form).
There is no denying that Idris Elba isn’t a brilliant actor and an incredible screen presence, and has all the tools to make an excellent James Bond.
Elba also recently made his directorial debut with the London-set thriller Yardie.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
