Years before Daniel Craig officially left the James Bond franchise, fans began speculating on who is successor might be. Actors like Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Lashana Lynch, and Henry Cavill have all been mentioned as possible replacements; however, there is one name that is frequently tossed around when discussing the new 007: Idris Elba.
In a recent interview on the Deadline Podcast, Bond executive producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed Elba has not been ruled out as the franchise’s next star.
“Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor,” Broccoli said. “And, you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat. I think we have decided that until No Time to Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to — well, we’ve all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.”
Craig made his Bond debut in 2006’s Casino Royale, and went on to portray the character in the following four installments, the latest of which was 2021’s No Time to Die. Though the film marked Craig’s farewell to the franchise, Broccoli reassured audiences Bond “will be back.”
Idris spoke about the Bond rumors during a 2015 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, suggesting there was a slim chance he would ever land the role.
“Honestly, it’s a rumor that’s really starting to eat itself,” he said. “If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it’s gone … Daniel Craig actually set the rumor off. About four years ago he said Idris Elba would be a great Bond and then it started to creep. I blame Daniel.”
