Idris Elba: Incredible James Bond rumour got out of hand

The Yardie director said he never intended to tease fans 
Incredible rumour: Actor Idris Elba
BBC
Emma Powell30 August 2018
The Weekender

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Idris Elba has said rumours about whether or not he will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond have got “out of hand”.

The 45-year-old actor stoked speculation he was gearing up to play the 007 agent after perpetuating rumours in the wake of Bond producer Barbara Broccoli declaring “it’s time” for a black actor to step into the role.

Elba said he didn’t set about to “tease” fans, but added it was hard to resist when he found himself at the centre of an “incredible rumour”.

He told Sky News: “I’m not teasing, I’m not meant to be teasing. But you’ve got to laugh it’s such an incredible rumour that has gotten out of hand – and hey, why not?”

Elba sent fans into a frenzy earlier this month after he tweeted a selfie and appeared to reference Bond’s famous catchphrase “The name’s Bond, James Bond,” by captioning the shot: “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.”

He later kicked off his DJ set at Elrow Town Festival in London by mixing the famous Bond theme tune.

Moving on: Daniel Craig will reportedly play the 007 agent for one final outing 

His comments came at the same time director Antoine Fuqua told the Daily Star Broccoli had reportedly told him she thought a non-white actor as Bond would “happen eventually”.

Fuqua said: “Idris could do it if he was in shape. You need a guy with physically strong presence. Idris has that.”

Yardie - UK premiere

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But Elba shut down the hype telling Good Morning Britain he has no plans to join the franchise.

The reporter asked if they were looking at “the next 007?” to which Elba replied bluntly: “No”.

Danny Boyle was confirmed to direct Bond 25, which is tipped to be Craig’s last outing, but quit days after the announcement citing “creative differences”.

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