Idris Elba Is Reportedly In Talks To Be A Part Of The Next James Bond Film, But Not As 007

With No Time To Die, Daniel Craig's tenure as James Bond came to an end. Fans of the franchise could not help but wonder who would be the next actor to fill Craig's shoes. There was even brief talks about the next Bond being a woman but the producers were quick to dismiss the possibility. "I believe we should be creating new characters for women - strong female characters," Barbara Broccoli had stated at the time. Then there was the expectation from fans hoping to see British actor, producer, and musician Idris Elba take on the role of Bond, which would also make him the first Black man to take on the character.

But the 49-year-old made it clear that he will not be playing the role of James Bond. "No, I'm not going to be James Bond," Elba said, taking himself out of the race. But when he was asked if he would at least like to take the role, he responded: "Who wouldn't?" adding, "How amazing would it be to have a Black James Bond? It's a sign of the times when we can stop talking about black, white, and color." But now there is news that Elba is likely to be a part of the next Bond film even though it may not be as Bond himself.

It is believed that Elba is in talks to star in the next Bond installment in the capacity of a villain. An insider told The Sun that the actor is keen to take on the role. "Idris has had informal talks with the studio and he has been told there is a role in the next Bond film for him if he wants it." They added, “He won’t be the title character, but they do recognize the amount of pull and respect he commands, and they want to work with him on a completely original character for the next installment. It is still very early days for the conversations but, so far, it looks like it would be the role of a villain.”

The role of the 007 agent is still up for grabs. So far the names that were thrown in for consideration include Tom Hardy, Regé-Jean Page, Tom Holland, and Henry Cavill. Director Martin Campbell had mentioned that Cavill was the only actor besides Daniel Craig in serious contention, at the time they had to pick the new Bond for Casino Royale. He was passed over for being too young at the time. After gaining experience over the years, he is in a more likely position today to play the next Bond. 

Now, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has expressed his desire to play James Bond. "I would like to follow in his footsteps and be the next Bond," he has stated, "I don't want to be a villain. You gotta be Bond." But there is still time till the ninth Bond gets chosen. Broccoli and Wilson are in no hurry to find Craig's replacement just yet. "Oh, God no. We're not thinking about it at all. We want Daniel to have his time of celebration. Next year we'll start thinking about the future," Broccoli shared. They now have another actor who has entered the race for consideration.