Idris Elba 'part of the conversation' to take over 007 says producer

James Bond producers say Idris Elba is ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007 – as search for Daniel Craig’s replacement continues

He has been one of the favourites to take over the role of James Bond now that Daniel Craig, 53, has stepped down. 

And it appears Idris Elba is still in the running for 007 as executive producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, said on Friday that the actor, 49, is ‘part of the conversation’ to play the role.

She did add however that she wouldn’t ‘think’ or ‘talk’ about anybody else until ‘No Time to Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to…reap the benefits’.

New role? Idris Elba is still in the running for 007 as executive producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, said on Friday that the actor, 49, is ‘part of the conversation’ to play the role

Speaking to Deadline, Barbara said: ‘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. 

‘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 savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.’ 

007: He has been one of the favourites to take over the role of James Bond now that Daniel Craig, 53, has stepped down

The Luther star had been hotly tipped to play the famous spy, but stated last year that he hadn’t been offered the role. 

The Sun reported that insiders are saying he will be taking on the mantle of the Bond baddie instead. 

A source said: ‘Idris has had informal talks with the studio and he has been told there is a role in the next Bond film for him, if he wants it. 

Producer: Barbara said: ‘Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor’

‘He won’t be the title character, but they do recognise the amount of pull and respect he commands, and they want to work with him on a completely original character for the next instalment.

‘It is still very early days for the conversations but, so far, it looks like it would be the role of a villain.’

Daniel signed off from from the Bond franchise with its most recent release No Time to Die.

Casino Royale: Daniel signed off from from the Bond franchise with its most recent release No Time to Die

Since then, the likes of Tom Hardy, Regé-Jean Page, Henry Cavill and Idris have been tipped as possible contenders. 

Idris ruled himself when he confirmed: ‘No I’m not going to be James Bond.’ But when quizzed on whether he’d like to take on the role at some point, he added: ‘Who wouldn’t?’

The star is currently busy shooting the feature-length film of his crime drama Luther in the UK.

Detective: The star is currently busy shooting the feature-length film of his crime drama Luther in the UK

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