The 49-year-old has previously been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as the new James Bond, but Idris Elba suspects that his opportunity may have passed him by.
When he was asked once more about the opportunity to play 007, Elba explained: “I am 50 this year. Let’s say you sign up for three films — no one wants to see Bond giving chase or beating up guys when he is 60. I am probably too old to take on the role now.”
While we still think he would be amazing for the role of the titular Bond, Elba has said he would still love to appear in a Bond movie in some way or another.
He recently told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “If there was a chance to be involved and the role was right for me, why not? It would be incredible to be a Bond villain.”
We would love to see Idris Elba play James Bond, but if we have to see him as a brilliant and maniacal Bond villain instead, we’d be happy to take that.
Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli has previously given her opinion on whether Elba would make a good Bond, and his chances could still be good.
“We know Idris … he’s a magnificent actor,” Broccoli told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast. She also noted that Elba has “been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have a conversation when you have somebody else in the seat.”
Love Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Bond movie set in 007’s later years. To see how his experience has changed him over time and to see just how he does as he notes that age may be making an impact on his work might prove to be rather interesting. I still think Idris Elba would make a wonderful James Bond, and I’ll die on this hill.
For more on this topic, follow the Film & TV Observer.
