Idris Elba is playing with our emotions. Word to Big Worm.
Two days ago rumor spread that famed James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli spoke with director Antoine Fuqua about a non-white actor taking on the role of 007 after 2019's Bond 25, Daniel Craig's possible last film as the spy. But shortly afterward, Fuqua's rep said "it's all made up stuff" and the conversation never happened. But that isn't stopping Elba from having a little fun with the false claims.
"[M]y name’s Elba, Idris Elba," read one tweet from the Luther actor, obviously mimicking Bond's famous line. The tweet was accompanied by a photo of Elba with a cartoonish effect.
my name’s Elba, Idris Elba. pic.twitter.com/kEyyaVg8JX
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018
Later, he posted another tweet with a photo of Public Enemy. But for those who didn't get the cryptic message, Elba sent out another Public Enemy reference: "Don't believe the HYPE." But of course, all tweeters want to do is believe in it. Some have even questioned if HYPE is a secret organization Bond will have to go up against in a film.
.... pic.twitter.com/y9AEcMcsWh
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018
Don’t believe the HYPE...
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018
"Are HYPE the criminal organisation you have to take down, 007?" read one tweet. Another gave an elaborate opening scene that ends with HYPE "in ashes."
While it's unlikely HYPE will be another HYDRA, it seems Elba won't end up playing Bond. He's previously said that he thinks he's "too old" to portray 007 and that he already portrays a similar character with BBC's Luther. As a matter of fact, Elba said he wants to see a woman take on the role for the first time. In the meantime, he's got quite a full plate himself. He's joining the Rock and Jason Statham in the Fast & Furious spinoff film; getting ready to play a nanny in Netflix's Turn Up Charlie; will score, direct, and star in a new version of Hunchback of Notre Dame; and is promoting his directorial debut, Yardie.