Idris Elba says he was never really 'in the race' to play James Bond despite years of rumours

Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have recently been rumoured to play James Bond

Idris Elba is shutting down years of speculation about him becoming the next James Bond, saying he was never actually a serious contender for the iconic role.

Speaking to People at the Los Angeles premiere of Masters of the Universe, Elba said, “I’m honestly not in the race ever. I wasn’t in the race in the first place,” despite longstanding fan campaigns pushing for him to play 007.

Rumours about Elba potentially replacing Daniel Craig as James Bond circulated for more than a decade, especially after leaked Sony emails in 2014 suggested his name had been discussed internally. However, Elba explained that no formal process ever truly materialised.

The actor also acknowledged that public conversations surrounding the possibility eventually became uncomfortable because of racist backlash tied to the idea of a Black James Bond. Elba previously described parts of the discourse as “disgusting and off-putting.”

Elba added that the Bond franchise now appears to be “going younger” as producers search for Craig’s successor. Recent reports indicate auditions for the next 007 are officially underway under Denis Villeneuve’s direction, with casting director Nina Gold leading the search.

Actors including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have recently emerged as rumoured frontrunners for the role.

While Bond speculation continues, Elba is currently promoting Masters of the Universe, in which he stars as Duncan, one of He-Man’s closest allies.