Idris Elba 'Too Old' To Play James Bond? Actor Thinks So
Before it was officially announced that Daniel Craig would leave the Bond franchise, many people were hoping that the rumors that he was hanging up his suit would make room for other contenders. One of the biggest names on people's wish list was Idris Elba.
Idris Elba's name being tossed into the ring as a possible choice to play James Bond caused a lot of different opinions to crop up. Some pointed to the actor's ethnicity as the reason why they weren't gung-ho, while others saw this as an opportunity to diversify the franchise. Well, now Elba has spoken out about the possibility, and it seems like he thinks he's "too old" to play James Bond.
While on Good Morning America, he was asked by Michael Strahan about the possibility of playing Bond. The actor opened up by saying it was the "wildest rumor in the world."
"If I'm really honest, man, I think I'm too old for that. I can't be running around in cars and ladies and martinis – who wants to do that? It sounds terrible!"
ON @GMA: "I'm too old… cars, ladies, and martinis… who wants that!?" – @idriselba gives thoughts on James Bond. https://t.co/ja64CHt3Pl
— ABC News (@ABC) July 21, 2016
The actor, who's 43-years-old wouldn't be the oldest actor to take on the role of James Bond. Actor Roger Moore, who played the character back in 1973, was 45-years-old when he took on the role.
This isn't the first time that Idris spoke about playing James Bond. During a Reddit AMA, he was asked about whether or not he would take the role if given the opportunity. Back in 2014, he wasn't concerned about his age, and simply said, "Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely."
Perhaps Idris Elba has concerns about the role that goes beyond his age. The role of James Bond is incredibly demanding, and if you commit yourself to the role, it's not like you're only signed on to do one film. The last person to take on the role Daniel Craig, committed to four Bond movies, and it seemed as though it was a taxing role for the actor. After all, Craig was locked into this role for years, and that's rare if you aren't a character in a DC or Marvel Universe.
Back in an interview with Time Out, he said rather bluntly that he would not like to make another Bond movie.
"I'd rather break this glass and slash my wrists. No, not at the moment. Not at all. That's fine. I'm over it at the moment. We're done. All I want to do is move on. If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money."
As it stands, it's rumored that Craig did turn down to appear in two more films after Spectre, even though he was being offered $68 million to do so.
Retweet for #AlexOLoughlin et fav for #TomHiddleston #NextBond #JamesBond#H50 pic.twitter.com/fpG7ATs3Yb
— Alex O'Loughlin 007 (@js9030434) July 18, 2016
So, now that we know Idris Elba doesn't see himself as the right man to play Bond, who will? Well, as the Inquisitr reported, Taylor Swift's new man, Tom Hiddleston, is up for the role. In fact, Tom is at the top of the list now, while Elba is second and Damien Lewis is third. So far, the actor has managed to dodge many questions on whether or not he will suit up for the role of James Bond. Given his sudden push into the spotlight because of his romance with pop star Swift, he might be the best draw for studio execs in terms of exposure.
That said, Vulture doesn't think this romance is doing Hiddleston any favors for courting the role.
"Hiddleston has relinquished control of his own reputation, and he has began to pay the price."
The outlet points to the actor looking lost while answering questions about his relationship status on the red carpet. Then, he managed to do damage control via the Hollywood Reporter by saying, "Well, um. How best to put this?… The truth is that Taylor Swift and I are together and we're very happy. Thanks for asking… That's the truth. It's not a publicity stunt."
It's unknown whether or not the studio will care if he's over exposed or not, but so far he's still in the running.
Who do you think will come out on top to play James Bond?
[Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images]