Idris Elba would love to play James Bond but he won’t campaign for the role

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Who doesn't love Idris Elba? He's done some fantastic work in television and film, and hopefully his popularity really explodes when PACIFIC RIM opens Friday. The actor also has THOR: THE DARK WORLD and the Nelson Mandela biography MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM out this year and his crime drama NO GOOD DEED will be in theaters next year.

But what about those James Bond rumors? Daniel Craig will be back for at least one (maybe two) more films, but what about after that? Is Elba even interested in playing 007?

In an interview with Digital Spy, the actor was asked about the Bond rumors and if there was any truth to them:

It's not something that I actually hope to come to fruition. It would be lovely if it did, but it's a rumor. It's actually like the will of a nation type-thing. I'm not a champion of myself to be James Bond, but there are so many people who say, 'Hey, you'd be a great one. We'd love to see that'. That's a great feeling for me. That's such a national treasure for us in England, we love James Bond. To be considered as one of those actors who could play him is great.

To me it sounds like Idris Elba doesn't want to get his hopes up or focus too much on speculations and rumors at this point. If Daniel Craig signs on for two more films it will be awhile before it's Elba's turn to wear the legendary tuxedo, and by then he might be too busy with other projects. Still, since he is a British actor I'm pretty sure Elba will put almost any film on hold if it means he'll get a chance to play the classic character.