Earlier this month, the 'Idris Elba as James Bond' rumor mill went into overdrive when it was reported that in a conversation with director Antoine Fuqua, Bond producer Barbara Broccoli agreed that a black actor would play the spy eventually. Conclusions were jumped to and suddenly Idris Elba was in the running. Antoine Fuqua subsequently set the record straight, denying that such a conversation ever took place. Now Idris Elba has addressed the possibility that he will be the next 007 and he denied it pretty clearly. Take a look:
Although Good Morning Britain attempted to 'challenge' Idris Elba, asking him how he likes his martinis and if he was the next 007, the actor wasn't biting, delivering a pretty emphatic 'no' in response. So if we take him at his word here that means that at the moment Idris Elba is not currently signed on to be the next James Bond. Idris Elba is probably tired of answering this question at this point and you could see how he might get frustrated with it. If he wants the role but isn't going to get it, being reminded about it constantly isn't fun. Also, he was asked the question here at the premiere for his directorial debut film Yardie, so he undoubtedly would want the focus to be on that and not on a role that he isn't playing.
However, as the hosts note in the video, the reality may be a bit more complicated. If he was signed on or was in talks for the role, the likelihood that he would announce it to a reporter on the red carpet is extremely slim. Such an announcement would be official and planned out, and even if he was signed on, he would likely be sworn to secrecy until the right time. And just because he isn't signed on to be James Bond right now, doesn't mean he can't be in the future.
At this point, any sort of expectation that we will find out who the next James Bond will be anytime soon is likely premature. Daniel Craig will still be the playing the spy for at least one more film in Bond 25, and that film has just suffered a major setback. It was announced yesterday that director Danny Boyle, who was set to helm the fourth Daniel Craig-led installment of the franchise, has left the film over creative differences. Production was set to begin on Bond 25 at the end of the year based on a script by Danny Boyle and John Hodge. So it remains to be seen if MGM and Eon can find another director and get things back on track without having to delay the film.
Bond 25 is currently scheduled to release in theaters on November 8, 2019. Check out our premiere guide for all the movies still to come in 2018, and for all the latest on the ongoing James Bond saga, stay tuned to CinemaBlend.
