Idris Elba has confirmed that he was never in contention for the role of James Bond. The actor, known for his role in Luther, had long been linked to succeeding Daniel Craig as the iconic spy. However, in a recent interview with People, he stated firmly that he was never officially in the running.
"My name's not getting thrown out, no way," Elba said. "They're going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can't wait – it's going to be amazing. I'm honestly not in the race ever. I wasn't in the race in the first place."
Reflecting on past speculation, Elba told the SmartLess podcast that while it was a compliment to be considered, the racist backlash from some corners made the experience "disgusting and off-putting." He added, "It became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it."
The next Bond film is being directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight, following Amazon MGM's takeover of creative control last year. Favourites for the role now include Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi, with former Bond star Rosamund Pike endorsing Elordi, calling him a "fantastic actor" who "certainly looks like a great Bond."
Journalist Marina Hyde also claimed on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast that Elordi has "moved into pole position" for the role.
