Idris Elba has finally put an end to the persistent rumours linking him to the role of James Bond, stating unequivocally that he was never a contender. The speculation had been rife for years, but the 53-year-old actor clarified his position at the premiere of his new film, Masters of the Universe.
Elba's Denial
When asked about his name being 'thrown out' as a potential 007, Elba responded: 'My name's not getting thrown out, no way. They're going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can't wait — it's going to be amazing.' He added, 'I'm honestly not in the race ever. I wasn't in the race in the first place.'
This statement comes after a December social media post from Elba, where he shared a video from Madame Tussauds. In the clip, set to the iconic Bond theme, the camera panned past wax figures of former 007s before settling on Elba. Fans interpreted this as a hint, but Elba has now dismissed such notions.
The Search for the Next 007
Auditions for the next James Bond have officially begun, five years after Daniel Craig's final outing in No Time To Die (2021). The Broccoli family, who long controlled the franchise, have handed creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. The studio has remained tight-lipped but promised 'exciting 007 news' in the coming months.
In a statement, Amazon MGM Studios said: 'The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.'
Current Frontrunners
According to Odds Checker, the current bookies' favourite is Callum Turner, 36, known for Fantastic Beasts and the BBC thriller The Capture. He is engaged to pop singer Dua Lipa.
Other top contenders include:
- Harris Dickinson, 29, set to play John Lennon in upcoming Beatles biopics, with roles in Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl.
- Jacob Elordi, an Australian actor who rose to fame in The Kissing Booth and Euphoria, and recently starred in Saltburn and Wuthering Heights.
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a veteran of franchises like Kick-Ass, Godzilla, and Avengers: Age of Ultron, who has long been a fan favourite.
Daniel Craig's tenure as Bond ended with critical and commercial success, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter. With auditions now open, the race to become the new 007 is officially underway.
