Is this a sign that Idris Elba will play James Bond?
After almost seven years of fans begging Idris Elba to be cast as James Bond, is it finally happening? Despite Elba’s claims otherwise, will we finally see the gorgeous, British actor don the infamous title of 007?
He’s all right
Elba has continuously denied any connections to the role. But DoubleOKevin (@KevBot_007) posted a video on Twitter and fans think otherwise:
Audience reactions to GoldenEye. Spot anyone interesting toward the end? pic.twitter.com/Fi2y1E4tFI
— DoubleOKevin (@KevBot_007) September 18, 2021
It’s 1995 and Pierce Brosnan has just picked up the mantle. A news anchor is asking moviegoers for their thoughts on the newest Bond movie. Who pops up at the end? Twenty-three-year-old Idris Elba shared his opinion of Brosnan as James Bond.
“He’s really good. He’s got all the charm. He’s got all the looks. And he’s fit and strong and blah, blah, blah. He’s all right.”
His tone may have seemed droll and some might even detect a hint of sarcasm. But don’t British people always kind of sound droll & sarcastic? This was probably just his version of showering Brosner in glowing praise.
Young Elba
The Hackney-born actor was fresh off of his first named role in Absolutely Fabulous. It wasn’t long before he began gracing screens across the UK. Then his name became synonymous with The Wire when starred in his breakout role as Stringer Bell.
It would be years before he transformed into the modern-day sex symbol we know & love him as. Specifically, it would be nineteen years before his fans began rallying for him to be the next Bond.
Elba. . . Idris Elba
Boy did they rally, and, honestly, they were right to do it. Idris Elba as James Bond would be perfect! His portrayal of Luther in the award-winning BBC series shows he can play a passionate & determined detective. Plus, his portrayal of Heimdall in the MCU proves he can handle a franchise.
In 2014, the sheer enthusiasm finally drove Elba to hit up social media with a sort-of-official response.
Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people. pic.twitter.com/3g9lAl2Uo3
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) December 27, 2014
Way to lead fans on! Fans not left disappointed by Elba’s vague tweet were crushed by Ian Fleming in 2015. The author of the James Bond series apparently saw Elba as “too street” for the role.
Fans exploded online with accusations of Fleming using coded language to justify not wanting a Black actor to take the role. Fleming tried to explain, but the internet wasn’t having it. For a few years, the enthusiasm dimmed.
It is time
In 2018, Producer Barbara Broccoli reignited those flames of enthusiasm. Broccoli allegedly told a friend it was beyond time for a man of color to portray the iconic spy.
Fans were especially encouraged by Broccoli having been a long-time producer for the spy series. They once again took to social media to demand to see Idris Elba as James Bond.
my name’s Elba, Idris Elba. pic.twitter.com/kEyyaVg8JX
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018
To be fair, though, Elba didn’t really help matters much.
A new Bond
Daniel Craig announced his retirement from the role in November 2019. Fans & mainstream news outlets alike continued speculating
In November 2019, Daniel Craig announced his retirement from the role with No Time to Die being his last portrayal. It was no longer just the fans speculating about Elba taking the role, but mainstream news outlets as well.
On the one hand, there’s the saying: where there’s smoke, there’s fire. On the other hand, even rumors can have a long shelf life. Regardless, there’s no doubt Elba is the man for the job, especially considering, “He’s really good. He’s got all the charm. He’s got all the looks. And he’s fit and strong and blah, blah, blah. He’s all right.”
—
Do you want to see Idris Elba as James Bond? Do you have someone else in mind? Or do you think they need to just retire the character altogether? Let us know in the comments below!
