Could Idris Elba be the Next James Bond?

One of several actors that have been rumored to play the iconic role of James Bond when Daniel Craig departs is Beasts of No Nation and The Wire actor Idris Elba. He finally weighed in on the speculation, appearing on Good Morning America to acknowledge the rumors, and, unfortunately stated that at this time, no official discussions have taken place.

Not only that, but Elba, 43, jokingly stated that he thinks he’s “too old” for the iconic 007 role.

“I keep saying if it were to happen it would be the will of a nation because there hasn’t been any talks between me and the studio about any of that,” Elba said, via  ABC News. “But everywhere I go people want that to happen, so….”

 

Elba in a landspeed record-breaking 626-hp Bentley Continental GT Speed (Courtesy of Bentley Motorsports)
Elba in a landspeed record-breaking 626-hp Bentley Continental GT Speed (Courtesy of Bentley Motorsports)

 

Elba then added: “But if I’m really honest, man, I think I’m too old for that, man, running around in cars and ladies and martinis, who wants to do that? Sounds terrible.”

During the interview, Elba categorized the speculation that he was in the running to play 007 as the “wildest rumor in the world.”

 

“I’m too old for that! Cars, ladies, martinis… who wants that!?” – @idriselba on James Bond rumors. https://t.co/qxvria3Ocw

— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 21, 2016

 

As Vanity Fair proceeded to point out, Elba is not necessarily entirely too old to play the iconic character. Roger Moore came in at 46 when he starred in his first Bond film (1973’s Live and Let Die) and reached 57 when he appeared in his final entry (A View to a Kill).  Furthermore, Pierce Brosnan was 42 for his first run in GoldenEye and 49 when he starred in Die Another Day.

 

Elba as featured in Vogue magazine
Elba as featured in Vogue magazine

 

The latest entry in the long-running James Bond franchise was 2015’s Spectre. It was the fourth film in the series to star actor Daniel Craig as Agent 007, following Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall. Director Sam Mendes (who directed both Skyfall and Spectre) has stated that he won’t make any more Bond films, though more entries in the legendary movie series are, of course, to be expected.

Do you think Idris has what it takes to take on the role?  Is there another actor you think would be better suited? Let us know in the comment section below.  Be sure to checkout our homepage and follow us on Facebook & Twitter and always check back with Boom Howdy for more up-to-date news, reviews & podcasts.

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