‘007’ Producers On Idris Elba Not Wanting To Do James Bond Role: “Not Everybody Wants To Do That”

While chatting with Variety, 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson discussed speculation of Idris Elba playing James Bond.

The role of James Bond is still up for grabs. In a new interview with Variety, 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson discussed speculation of Idris Elba playing the new James Bond, after the British actor claimed that he doesn’t see Bond when he “looks in the mirror.”

“We love Idris. The thing is, it’s [the next Bond film] going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-12-year commitment,” Broccoli said. “So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing?’ Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”

Daniel Craig first portrayed James Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale, and concluded with No Time To Die in 2021. Since the end of Craig’s 007 tenure, fans have discussed Elba being the new Bond, with Broccoli even admitting that the Beast actor was “a part of the conversation” for casting.

“Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor. And, you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat,” Broccoli previously told Deadline in January.“I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savor, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.”

In June, Broccoli confirmed that the 26th 007 film will “reinvent” Bond, and that no actor was in the running to play him. Broccoli also shared that the next Bond film wouldn’t begin filming until 2025.