Idris Elba Reportedly Back in the Running for James Bond Role

The director also revealed that Elba was a front-runner for the role. Craig will play Bond one last time in the still untitled Bond 25 flick, although he has infamously tried to get out of the role in the past. 'You need a guy with a physically strong presence.

Before anyone starts planning a James Bond movie marathon, popping champagne and setting off celebratory fireworks, or changing their social media display icons to a photo of the impossibly handsome Elba (c'mon, we know someone had to be tempted), let's take a step back and analyze this information.

For some fans, that possibility is more than enough.

Idris Elba was a massive early favourite back in 2015, but his own denials and so much time passing had bumped him down the list.

Eon Productions, maker of the James Bond films, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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In 2014, the "Luther" star was the subject of frenzied speculation that he was the next Bond following the release of hacked Sony Pictures emails in which Elba's name was put forth as an option by one studio executive. "Idris has that", the director added.

Elba is baffled by the rumours, and insisted that producers have yet to approach him about the role, and it's all up to the "will of the people".

The Hollywood chief, 58, told an industry pal "it is time" for the famous spy to be played by a black actor. Since, however, inclinations that Elba might be the first non-white Bond have subsided, until recently. That's the part that I'm like, 'Ugh, come on.' Are we interested in having a Bond character other than being a male?

He said to Vanity Fair: "It could be a woman - could be a black woman, could be a white woman". I am shook. And stirred.