Idris Elba Says Playing James Bond Is Not A Career Goal
Despite many fans wanting Idris Elba to play James Bond, the Beast actor is making it known that playing the coveted role is not one of his career goals.
During a recent episode of The Shop podcast, which is executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, Elba shared that no matter where he goes in the world, people often refer to him as the next Bond.
“Every corner of the world I go — and I’m talking about different cultures — they always go: ‘Bond!'” he recalls pointing his finger imitating a fan. “It is not a goal for my career.”
Adding, “I don’t think that, you know, playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals.”
“I’m not that guy, but in everyone’s world I might be. And that – job done. Because the truth is, you know, a lot of people are really seeing Idris playing Bond as the ‘alternative Bond.’ And as long as that alternative is existing, that’s great for the growth of f**king casting.”
Earlier this year, Barbara Broccoli, who has produced the last nine Bond films including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre, with her brother Michael G. Wilson, spoke about Elba playing the next 007.
“A lot of fans want to see Idris Elba in a tuxedo," she said on Deadline’s “Crew Call” podcast.
"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.”
If Elba were able to land the role, he’ll become the seventh actor to play James Bond, following in the footsteps of Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, and Timothy Dalton.
Watch the latest episode of The Shop below:
