Idris Elba appears to rule himself out of running for James Bond: ‘I think I’m too old for that’

The British actor is among stars rumoured to have been taking over from Daniel Craig 
Out of the running? Idris Elba shuts down James Bond rumours
Jennifer Ruby22 July 2016
The Weekender

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Idris Elba has shut down rumours that he will be the next James Bond.

The Luther star, 43, who has been among the favourites to play 007, has claimed that he is “too old” for the part.

Speaking about the rumours circulating about his involvement in the film franchise, Elba admitted that he had not been approached by producers.

During an interview on Good Morning America, the British actor said: “If I'm really honest, man, I think I'm too old for that, I can't be running around in cars and ladies and martinis – who wants to do that? It sounds terrible!

“If it were to happen, it would be the will of a nation, because there's not been talks of me in the studios about any of that. But everywhere I go, people want that to happen.”

Discussing the mounting speculation back in 2015, Elba blamed Daniel Craig for starting the rumour mill spinning.

“Daniel Craig actually set the rumour off. About four years ago he said Idris Elba would be a great Bond, and then it started to creep. I blame Daniel," he said.

Tom Hiddleston, who is thought to be in the running for the role, also dismissed the possibility last month.

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Speaking at a panel event, the 35-year-old star said: “I’m sorry to disappoint you, everybody. I don’t think that announcement is coming.

“But I’m very gratified to hear the enthusiasm. There’s not much that I can say that I haven’t already said, but I know… Your guess is as good as mine to be honest.”

Others actors thought to be in the running include Aidan Turner, James Norton, Damian Lewis and Tom Hardy.

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