Fans eager to see who will step into the shoes of the next 007 can officially cross Idris Elba off the list.
Following Daniel Craig’s exit from the iconic spy franchise, speculation has been swirling over who will take over as cinema’s most famous secret agent.
For years, many fans championed Elba as the perfect successor. However, the actor has now shut down the rumors once and for all, making it clear he was never in the running for the role.
During a recent appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of his new movie, “Masters of the Universe,” Elba addressed the long-running speculation surrounding the coveted role.
“My name’s not getting thrown out, no way,” Elba told PEOPLE Magazine. “They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can’t wait — it’s going to be amazing.”
The actor also insisted he was never officially considered for the role in the first place. “I’m honestly not in the race ever,” he explained. “I wasn’t in the race in the first place.”
Although the “Hijack” star has now firmly ended the speculation, excitement around the possibility intensified late last year after a viral video showed him posing beside wax figures of actors who previously portrayed the famous British spy.
Idris joked in the video’s caption that his wife, Sabrina Elba, made him do it. Sabrina herself later talked about the clip on “Good Morning America,” admitting she stirred up speculation, but believed he looked good next to the lineup.
Fans immediately flooded social media with excitement. One fan wrote, per The Blast, “Not just the Bond we want… the Bond we NEED.”
Why Idris Elba Was Put Off At The Idea Of Taking Up The Role
While the “Beasts of No Nation” star has now removed himself from the conversation entirely, he previously admitted that the fan support initially felt flattering.
According to the 53-year-old actor, being considered for such a legendary character felt like recognition of how far he had come in his career.
Elba added that the conversation later took a negative turn when debates around the casting shifted toward race instead of his acting ability, ruining the experience for him.
“Those who weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting because it became about race,” Elba shared.
Auditions Underway For The Next James Bond
With Elba officially ruling himself out, the question remains who will take over from Craig as the franchise’s next leading man.
Variety confirmed that Amazon MGM Studios has officially kicked off the search, with auditions for the iconic role already underway in recent weeks.
To lead the selection process, the studio brought in Nina Gold, a well-known casting director whose impressive résumé includes “Game of Thrones,” “The Crown,” and several “Star Wars” films.
Despite growing curiosity from fans, the studio has remained tight-lipped about the process. In a statement, representatives said they would not be commenting on specific casting details at this stage, adding that audiences would be updated when the “time is right.”
What The Film’s Director Is Looking For In The New Protagonist
As the search continues, Gold has reportedly outlined the qualities needed to lead the blockbuster into its next era.
According to Deadline, Gold noted the chosen actor must “ooze s-x appeal,” alongside having strong acting skills.
Beyond that, the candidate should be young enough to carry the role across several films, ensuring continuity for the franchise.
Although Gold recently signed the deal with Amazon MGM, her search for Craig’s successor began long before the ink dried, attending numerous productions in London’s West End.
When names like David Shields and Luke Thompson were mentioned to Gold as potential candidates, she nodded in response. However, the final decision will not rest with Gold alone. Director Denis Villeneuve is expected to review her recommendations later this year.
Jimmy Kimmel Mocked Donald Trump As The Next 007
Amid conversation surrounding the franchise’s next star face, the White House jumped in on it, sharing a picture that depicted Donald Trump as James Bond.
The Blast reported that Jimmy Kimmel seized the opportunity during his May 19 night monologue to poke fun at the president playing Bond.
He took digs at Trump’s appearance, mocking claims that he was “aging in reverse” and quipping, “Wearing diapers does not mean you’re aging in reverse.”
The comedian also aimed at Trump’s priorities, criticizing his focus on online posts while political tensions and rising costs dominate public concern.