Sir Idris Elba has definitively ended years of speculation about taking on the role of James Bond, declaring that the persistent rumours were "never legit."
The 53-year-old actor, who has been linked to the 007 franchise for over a decade, has revealed he never considered it a genuine possibility, while also sharing his thoughts on whether a Black performer could ever take on the role.
"I've always felt that it's not a realistic thing," he said to GQ. "James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it."
Mr Elba went further, claiming that international audiences would reject a Black actor in the iconic spy role.
Idris Elba has urged Bond bosses not to go 'woke' with the next Bond
|PA
"Bond is big all over the world. And (audiences) won't (all) go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That's not what they like in their culture. Period," he suggested.
The Luther star also weighed in on the creative direction of the franchise, cautioning against attempts to modernise Bond's character.
Since Amazon MGM purchased the rights to the Bond franchise, fears have been rife that the next instalment would "go woke" or abandon the themes established in Ian Fleming's novels.
"Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try and make it woke," he stated.
Idris Elba claims he didn't take rumours linking him to the role seriously
|PA
"I think you've got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don't try to answer the world's taste. Just be Bond."
The comments come as the franchise prepares for its next chapter under Amazon MGM Studios' ownership.
Mr Elba's connection to the role dates back to 2014, when leaked Sony executive emails revealed he was a favourite for the part.
Former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli subsequently confirmed the actor had been "part of the conversation" about potential successors.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Daniel Craig played James Bond from 2006 to 2021 | UNIVERSAL PICTURES The search for Daniel Craig's successor has now officially commenced, with Amazon MGM Studios confirming the casting process is underway.
Nina Gold, the renowned casting director whose credits include Game of Thrones and The Crown, is spearheading the hunt for the next 007.
Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind the Dune series, has been confirmed as director for the first Bond film under Amazon's stewardship.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been tasked with penning the screenplay.
Idris Elba has ruled out ever putting himself forward for the role
| PAThe studio stated it would not comment on specific details during casting but promised to share news with fans "as soon as the time is right."
Reports suggest Mr Villeneuve may favour casting a younger, lesser-known actor in the role, with the next film potentially not reaching cinemas until 2028.
Several high-profile names have emerged as potential candidates for the coveted role.
Callum Turner, who recently wed pop star Dua Lipa, currently leads the betting markets, though his odds last month drifted to 6/5 from a previous high of 4/6 earlier this year.
Callum Turner now stands as the frontrunner for the iconic role | PAHarris Dickinson has positioned himself as a serious challenger at 7/2, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson close behind at 9/2.
Meanwhile, Australian actor Jacob Elordi sits at 5/1, whilst 26-year-old West End star Tom Francis, who won an Olivier Award for his role opposite Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, has already auditioned, according to industry sources.
Regé-Jean Page and Aaron Pierre have also been mentioned as possibilities.
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