Idris Elba Turned Down James Bond Role To Avoid ’10-12 Year Commitment’

Daniel Craig’s James Bond was dramatically killed off in the final moments of 2021’s No Time to Die. The coveted position of 007 is thus completely up for grabs for the first time in years. James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently shed light on Bond candidate Idris Elba’s decision to not want to play Agent 007.

Elba as Bond would be historically significant because he would be the first actor of colour to play the part. Sadly, Elba recently declared himself to be uninterested in the part of Agent 07 and removed himself from consideration. Elba’s comments don’t appear to have any impact on Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. In an interview with Variety, Broccoli said that Elba was not up for the 10-12 year commitment.

The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. 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].

There haven’t been many concrete developments in the recasting process since the release of the 25th Bond film. Longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli hinted in early 2022 that the momentous casting decision would take some time. While no official candidates have been announced, fan favorites include Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Regé-Jean Page.

Idris Elba had to repeatedly explain himself, but his admirers were desperate for him to be the next Bond. Well, we have no control over that. To get the latest updates, keep an eye on Thirsty.

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