James Bond producers confirm Idris Elba is in "conversation" to be the next 007

Publish Date
Tuesday, 25 January 2022, 10:00AM

As soon as Daniel Craig announced his retirement from the James Bond franchise, fans began speculating on who his successor might be.

Actors like Tom Hardy, Luke Evans, Henry Cavill and Regé-Jean Page have all been rumoured as possibilities to play the coveted role of 007; however, producers have finally confirmed one name that could be the new Bond, James Bond ...

And it's none other than Idris Elba.

The franchise's executive producer Barbara Broccoli admitted over the weekend that the 49-year-old actor is "part of the conversation" to play the role.

Speaking to Deadline, she said: "Well, we know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor.

"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."

She continued: "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 has been playing the role of the fictional British spy for fifteen years now.

The 53-year-old actor made his Bond debut in 2006’s Casino Royale and went on to portray the character in the following four instalments - 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."

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you