Is Idris Elba Set To Be The First Black James Bond?

Idris Elba is known for many roles throughout his glittering career, but could the English actor be set to become the new 007? Elba’s participation on a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” ignited further rumors of replacing Daniel Craig in the near future.

Idris Elba was asked by one Reddit user, “If it were offered to you, would you be the next James Bond?”

Elba responded, “Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely.”

Now the question remains whether Idris will be offered the role any time soon.

Daniel Craig is set to reprise his portrayal of James Bond at least two more times. The actor has already been featured in three films: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall. James Bond 24 is set to open next fall on November 6, 2015, and Sony will release the latest installment. The actor is contracted to do five installments and, as a result, James Bond 24 could be his penultimate feature in the franchise.

It is not the first time, Idris Elba is addressing rumors of becoming Craig’s successor.

“There was a huge rumor that once Daniel Craig finishes playing Bond that they were looking for someone different and my name was in that mix. And I answered a bunch of questions and the bottom line is, of course, I’d be honoured to play the part if it comes my way.”

While Daniel Craig is still the current Bond, Elba has clearly stated his intention of becoming the first black actor to portray James Bond. Elba has also declared his favorite Disney film.

“At the risk of sounding corny, I think it is The Jungle Book. And it’s not animated, but it fits in that world, Mary Poppins. I loved Mary Poppins. Classic, man, just classic! The songs, the animation, amazin’.”

Luckily for Elba, he is set to voice evil tiger Shere Khan Disney’s The Jungle Book reboot. Idris Elba’s No Good Deed was No. 1 at the domestic box office over the three-day weekend, the movie was able to make almost double its production budget of $13.2 million in the first weekend.

Elba, 42-years-old, has also spoke of the possibility of bringing his British hit drama Luther to the box office. Fans of the detective series are eager to see Idris Elba reprise his role.

“We are in talks at the moment to figure out a way to bring more ‘Luther’ back to the TV, but the focus is to try and make a film from it.”

Would Idris Elba be a fantastic James Bond?

[Image via Flickr]