UPDATE: THR is saying the conversation between Fuqua and Broccoli never happened, so again, the rumor mill is a churnin'. That said, nothing wrong with a little conversation about who could replace Craig.
Bond. James Bond. The phrase has been uttered by many an actor since DR. NO in 1963, where Sean Connery brought Ian Fleming's British Spy, dubbed 007, to life for the first time. Since then we've seen the likes of George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Talk of a new Bond has been on the horizon for a while with names like Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Clive Owen and Idris Elba. The last name on that list has sparked a lot of conversation, as it would be the first time the character would be played by a black actor.
While speaking at the launch of his new business venture SoundFi, director Antoine Fuqua, who is prepping to direct a new version of SCARFACE, said that he had spoken to Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, who said "it is time" for the role to be played by a black actor, adding that she's certain “it will happen eventually”. Fuqua said he supports Elba as Bond, saying, “Idris could do it if he was in shape. You need a guy with physically strong presence. Idris has that.”
So, does this mean Bond producers are actively pursuing Elba to take over the mantle? That much is unclear, but Broccoli's comments suggest that pursuing an actor of color for the role post-Craig is on the horizon and, really, as a name actor, Elba checks off all the blocks. Personally, as a fan of Elba's, I'd love to see what he could bring to the role. I don't think making Bond black for the sake of diversity is the right way to go, but choosing a great actor to fill those leather shoes is and Elba is definitely up to task in that department. That said, Elba has been dodgy on the whole thing, even going so far as to saying that he's "too old" for the role.
However, Elba will have to wait his turn regardless, as director Danny Boyle is already set to helm Bond 25 with Daniel Craig back in the role as the famous spy with production starting in December. Hopefully, it's a proper send off for Craig if this is to be his last as his last outing, SPECTRE, wasn't as well received as prior entries and left some threads dangling for the character. We'll see how it all shakes (stirs?) out.
Obviously, this isn't the first rodeo in hearing Elba mentioned as a frontrunner for Bond, but let us know what you think. Is it time for a black Bond? Does race matter for the role? Who would YOU like to see take over after Craig's run is over?
BOND 25 begins filming in December.