Idris Elba has addressed the long-standing speculation surrounding his potential casting as James Bond, stating that he has never actually been a serious contender for the iconic role. The 53-year-old actor made these comments in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the premiere of his latest film, *Masters of the Universe*, held in Los Angeles on 18 May 2026.
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Elba’s name has frequently been linked to the role of 007, a subject that has sparked considerable debate among fans and industry insiders alike. Responding to questions about the ongoing speculation, Elba remarked, “My name’s not getting thrown out, no way. They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck in the world. I can’t wait – it’s going to be amazing.” He further clarified, “I’m honestly not in the race ever. I wasn’t in the race in the first place,” indicating that the rumours might have been exaggerated.
This is not the first time Elba has discussed the topic of Bond in the wake of these speculations. During an appearance on the *Smartless* podcast in 2023, he expressed that he had been flattered by the idea of stepping into the shoes of Britain’s most famous secret agent. However, he also shared his disappointment that the discussion took a troubling turn, fixating on issues of race.
Elba reflected on the honour of being considered for the role, describing it as a significant accolade. “We’re all actors and we understand that that role is one of those sort of coveted types. It’s like being named Sexiest Man [Alive]. But being asked to be James Bond was like, ‘Okay, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle,” he noted. Despite the majority of positive reactions, he lamented the negativity that emerged from certain discussions, which detracted from the excitement of the prospect. “Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it,” he added.
Daniel Craig last portrayed the legendary spy in *No Time to Die*, released in 2021, continuing a legacy of distinguished actors who have inhabited the role, including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Pierce Brosnan. Speculation regarding Elba’s potential casting had been ignited years earlier, notably following a 2014 email leak in which Sony Pictures executive Amy Pascal expressed her belief that he should be the next Bond.
On a separate but related note, Elba is currently in the spotlight for his role in *Masters of the Universe*, where he plays the character of Duncan, a close ally of the legendary hero He-Man. During the interview, Elba revealed his childhood fondness for the franchise, demonstrating enthusiasm for the opportunity to reinterpret a beloved character. “Masters of the Universe was my thing,” he said. “It was something that I watched a lot as a kid.”
Elba detailed his excitement about bringing a new dynamic to Duncan by making the character more reflective of himself. “To get to play Duncan and change him – make him look like me – was a real treat,” he explained. He also expressed a desire to incorporate comedic elements into his performance, saying, “I got to be a bit comedic and big, so I went for it.”
With a slew of action films under his belt in recent years, Elba highlighted the diverse nature of his roles, noting that some projects have leaned towards cerebral action, such as the series *Hijack*, while others, like *Masters of the Universe*, have emphasised physicality. “I’ve done quite a few action films over the last three years,” he remarked. “Some a little bit more cerebral action, like *Hijack*, but this has been a lot of fighting. I have to stay in shape so I can run and punch.”
As Idris Elba continues to carve out a successful career in the film industry, he leaves behind the speculation surrounding the Bond character, evidently choosing to focus on his current projects and passions. While he acknowledges the honour associated with being considered for the role of James Bond, it is clear that his ambitions and interests lie elsewhere at this stage in his career.