Idris Elba Is Reportedly ‘Back In Talks’ To Succeed Daniel Craig As James Bond

Bond producers are said to have “realized how popular Elba would be after carrying out secret market research.”

Never count out Idris Elba when discussing the long-debated successor to Daniel Craig’s James Bond.

The revered 49-year-old English actor is once again being considered for the superspy franchise’s lead, according to an insider speaking to The Sun.

“Idris has long been in talks to play a role in the next era of James Bond’s story and last year was being considered for a role as an antagonist,” the source told the British tabloid.

“However, talks surrounding him playing the lead have started again as producers realized how popular he would be after carrying out secret market research. He ranked highly among the diverse group of movie buffs invited to participate in it. They didn’t want to see him as a nemesis—they want him as the hero.”

This revelation seems to be at ends with Ebla’s own thoughts on the matter. In 2019, Maxim‘s first male cover star expressed concerns that taking on Bond would “solely define” his acting career.

“Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and for that reason, whoever ends up playing it, lives it,” he said. “You’re THAT character, and known as that character for many, many years.”

“I’m creating characters now that can still live alongside Idris,” he added, “not ones that take over me and solely define me.”

But actors can be persuaded to pull 180s, a particularly pertinent case being Craig’s. Shortly before Spectre debuted in 2015, Craig said he’d sooner “slash his wrists” than reprise the role, insinuating that he’d only do so for money.

Craig obviously went on to portray the character one more time in 2021’s No Time to Die. Even despite seemingly decisive past statements, Elba’s mind could change.

The Sun added odds from betting platform Coral that have Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page as the favorite to become the next Bond at 5/2, followed by Henry Cavill at 4/1, Aidan Turner at 8/1, Tom Hardy at 61 and Elba at 12/1.

Who ya got?