Idris Elba says that despite all the speculation over the years, he was never really in contention to play James Bond.
Amazon MGM Studios announced earlier that the “search for the next James Bond is underway” with the casting process expected to take place this Summer.
The Golden Globe-winning “The Wire” and upcoming “Masters of the Universe” star has long been one of the most common names suggested as ideal James Bond candidates for much of the past decade or so.
But this week, while out promoting the latter film, he tells People magazine he’s not in the running:
“My name’s not getting thrown out, no way. They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can’t wait — it’s going to be amazing. I’m honestly not in the race ever. I wasn’t in the race in the first place.”
Casting director Nina Gold is working with director Denis Villeneuve and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman on the search for who will next play Bond next, and whoever is cast must “ooze sex appeal”.
Whoever is cast is expected to appear in the role for at least three films.
