Given that the actor has publicly stated that he doesn’t want to play the role, no one should expect an Idris Elba James Bond movie - but this could actually be a great development for the franchise. Idris Elba was one of the favorite picks among the roster of those thought most likely to portray the suave and sophisticated secret agent for the longest time, along with a few other household names. But, despite the fandom excitement, Idris Elba doesn’t want the 007 role, and statements on the matter make it clear he's very unlikely to be the next James Bond.
Daniel Craig took over from Pierce Brosnan in the role of James Bond in his debut film Casino Royale (2006). His last outing in No Time to Die (2021) saw him meet an explosive end to his reign as James Bond, meaning a new actor is being sought to take over. Despite being a favorite for years, Elba has expressed disinterest in James Bond as a future role, and also an element of discomfort with how regularly he has been questioned about it, strongly suggesting he will not be the next James Bond. Idris Elba would have been a great James Bond, and could possibly have even taken the franchise into new and exciting places, but there are some positives to be gleaned from the decision in terms of what this means for the scope of the role and franchise.
Why Idris Elba Was Rumored As The Next James Bond For So Long
With a major change with Bond 26 on the horizon, producers have the opportunity to do something really special with the next era of Bond films. So far, audiences have only ever been given white male actors donning the tux. In the age of increasing inclusivity and equality in which the industry currently sits, a Black actor playing James Bond would certainly be a momentous and welcome change to the 007 series. James Bond’s dress sense has always been a feature of the 007 films, and Elba has also been known to portray characters who mirror Bond's sharp and suave style and dress sense, such as John Luther from the hit series Luther, one of Elba’s most acclaimed roles.
The actor also hasn’t been one to shy away from the action. In one of the best Idris Elba movies, Beasts of No Nation (2015), Elba plays the leader of the militia, but perhaps his heaviest action-orientated role was in Hobbs & Shaw (2019), where he plays a cyber-genetically enhanced terrorist and ex-MI6 field agent. Elba carries an effective physicality into action roles - something that would have seen him be an ideal fit for the stunt-demanding role of James Bond. Elba suits all aspects of the James Bond role, meaning it's understandable that so many people were interested in seeing him do so - but his seeming reluctance to play James Bond could well be a positive for the new era of the franchise.
Why It's Good Idris Elba Won't Be The Next James Bond (Now)
Ever since the first 007 film, Dr. No (1962), it has become clear that James Bond's characterization has fluctuated in tone from one incarnation to the next. While one actor playing 007 is serious and hard, the next is generally light-hearted and fun. Sean Connery's original Bond was replaced by the comedic and frivolous - yet sometimes ruthless - Roger Moore, who was succeeded by the hard-nosed, Fleming-like Timothy Dalton.
Given that the Daniel Craig era was the bleakest yet, it stands to reason that audiences are due for another fun Bond more akin to the Moore and Brosnan eras. Although Idris Elba has portrayed some comedic roles in his career, such as Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad (2021), he is mostly known for his serious, gritty roles, and is widely appreciated as a great genre actor. In line with this apparent pattern of tone in the 007 franchise, he may not suit the desired style of the next generation of Bond movies.
Similarly, producers have stated that the filming of James Bond 26 will be at least another two years away. Idris Elba has also recently turned 50 years old, which means he will be at least 52 or 53 by the time he appears on film for the first time as the new 007 - and, as Broccoli also states, it will ideally be about a 10 to 12-year commitment for the new actor. Though there's no age requirement for the role, this could have complicated having Elba as the next James Bond, meaning the fact he has decided to opt out may be a good thing in that it allows an actor who is less audience-backed but potentially more suited to the next era of the franchise to take on the mantle.
Who Will Be The Next James Bond?
Idris Elba 007 would have benefitted from his star power, but many believe the producers should pick an actor who is relatively unknown for 007, depending on the approach they want to take. This theory would rule out the likes of Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Henry Cavill, all of whom have attained significant fame in their own rights, and who, like Idris Elba, are also now arguably too old for the role, even though they may be a perfect fit for the role physically.
On the basis of going with a relative unknown and an actor who would likely have fun with the part, James Norton, Regé-Jean Page, and Tom Hopper would all bring a unique panache and zing to the silver screen. Finally, if the producers wanted a younger actor to play James Bond - but not too young - Nicholas Hoult could also be a very strong contender in the roster of actors who would suit the role of James Bond.
The Luther Movie Takes A Shot At 007
Though an Idris Elba 007 movie can be officially ruled out, Elba has stepped back into his most long-running role, returning as John Luther. Luther: The Fallen Sun marks the first movie in the franchise which brings up the possibility of a long future for the character to come. The movie also features a not-so-subtle dig at James Bond and the long-running casting rumors. It also includes a moment referencing James Bond's favorite drink, a martini, as Luther flatly turns down the suggestion.
Writer Neil Cross admits (via Deadline) that the reference wasn't an accident and calls it an "extended middle finger and wink" to the Bond franchise. The joke was Cross' idea and Elba was unsure about including it but sees it as a "cheeky" bit of fun. If anything, it is another reminder that Elba is happy enough leaving the James Bond role behind.