James Bond favourite Idris Elba has revealed he was "never in the running" for the iconic role as the search for Daniel Craig's replacement continues.
Speaking to People, the Luther star dismissed persistent rumours linking him to the part, saying: "My name's not getting thrown out, no way. They're going younger. And I wish them all the luck in the world. I can't wait - it's going to be amazing."
Elba, long considered a fan favourite to become the first Black actor to play 007, admitted he was "not in the race ever. I wasn't in the race in the first place."
The actor previously addressed the Bond speculation in 2023, saying he was "super complimented" but found the conversation became "disgusting and off-putting" when it turned to race. He said: "Those that weren't happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it."
Casting for the new James Bond began last week after years of anticipation. Amazon MGM Studios confirmed: "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."
It has been five years since the release of the latest Bond movie, No Time To Die, which marked Daniel Craig's final performance as the British secret agent. The upcoming film will be directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Leading casting director Nina Gold, known for her work on the Paddington, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Mamma Mia! franchises, is heading the search for the next Bond.
