- Idris Elba has been touted as the next James Bond for years
- The actor has now opened up about why he wouldn’t take the iconic role
- "You’re THAT character, and known as that character for many, many years," he said.
It doesn’t matter what Idris Elba says: people will not stop asking him about Bond. Sure, his trolling tweets don’t help – but the British actor has gone on the record saying that he won’t succeed Daniel Craig as 007. He’s made his decision, if it was ever his to make.
But why? In a new interview with Event, Elba finally opened up about why playing Bond would probably be a bad idea.
"Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and for that reason, whoever ends up playing it, lives it," he told the journalist Craig McLean.
"You’re THAT character, and known as that character for many, many years. I’m creating characters now that can still live alongside Idris. Not ones that take over me and solely define me."
Rumours have swirled around Elba for years, largely thanks to a series of leaked emails from Sony’s co-chairman, Amy Pascal, who said, "Idris should be the next Bond." He also received endorsements from Daniel Craig, Steven Spielberg and a host of other Hollywood heavyweights.
From that moment on, Elba couldn’t avoid the subject. Soon after Craig made his comments, Elba snapped at an interviewer from The Times. “Who would I talk about Bond? I’m not even in it?”
The Best 'No Time To Die' Gift Ideas for James Bond Fans
Leica Q2 007 Edition Camera
Limited to just 200 pieces, Leica's new 007 edition of its fantastic Q2 point-and-shoot digital camera features the 007 logo on the top-plate and the iconic gun-barrel swirl on the lens cap.
leica-camera.com, £6750
Bella Freud T-Shirt
Safe to say that Bond probably wouldn't wear this out on manoeuvres, but it's as cool as a James Bond graphic tee is ever going to get. Hit the link to explore Bella Freud's full 007-inspired collection.
bellafreud.com, £95
Omega Seamaster 300M 007 Edition
With an especially eye-popping cameo, the latest Bond-Omega is arguably the most handsome yet. The titanium dive watch is water resistant to 300M (hence the name), and the movement within is chronometer-certified, so it will never have you running late.
omega.com, £7880
Globetrotter 007 Luggage
We always thought Bond only travelled with a selection of passports and a long list of scores to settle, but the latter-day version is a proper style guy, so he needs some way to transport it all. Step forward Globetrotter's No Time To Die collection. The elegant cases are realised in Ocean Green Vulcanised Fibreboard with a black leather trim, and each is equipped with a 007-etched plate and edition number.
globe-trotter.com, £1905
Danner 007 Tanicus Boots
As one of the most reliable names in outdoor equipment, it's no surprise the movie's costume department turned to Danner when Bond needed the perfect pair of combat boots. Tough, durable and incredibly sleek, they give bond all the performance (and style) he could ever want.
danner.com, $185
Crockett & Jones Shoes
A shoe more than fit for Bond, Crockett & Jones's James lace-up represents the pinnacle of shoemaking prowess. Cut from the finest box calf leather and equipped with a hand-grade sole, each pair is subtly embossed with the 007 logo, and arrives in special edition packaging.
crockettandjones.com, £850
The James Bond Collection
Don’t worry, Alan: blu-ray discs are relatively safe from Sunny D sabotage. Nothing will stand in the way of you and a full 24 film binge of every Bond film ever made (bar Never Say Never, Sean Connery’s unofficial entry into the franchise.) The monochrome case looks almost as impressive as the HD-quality restoration, and all 24 films are available for digital download.
Amazon.co.uk, £39.99
N. Peal Combat Trousers
Worn with the Danner boots in No Time To Die's finale, N. Peal's combat trousers were designed in partnership with the film's costume designer, Suttirat Larlarb. Cut from hard-wearing cotton, then laden with pockets, but cut in such a way as to allow maximum freedom of movement.
npeal.com, £245
Colonel Sun (A James Bond Adventure) – Kingsley Amis
Kingsley Amis wrote this, the first James Bond novel not penned by Ian Fleming, almost 51 years ago under the pseudonym Robert Markham. That's not the only reason it's notable, though: Amis introduces a more emotionally vulnerable Bond, with The Chicago Tribune book reviewer SK Oberbeck noting that the celebrated Lucky Jim author turned Bond into something he had never previously been: "a man with a job."
Amazon.co.uk, £16.49
He’s loosened up on the subject since then, and regularly pokes fun at it. At this year’s Golden Globes, he posted a picture with Daniel Craig that went viral on Twitter. When asked if he did it as a retort to the annoying rumours, Elba said: “Nah, we just did it on the spur of the moment, thought it would be a laugh. It was a selfie. Didn’t realise it would be picture of the year.”
Despite his denials Elba is still a bookie’s favourite, behind Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy, James Norton and the new favourite, Richard Madden. Check out our analysis of their chances here.
