Idris Elba responds to James Bond rumours in cryptic tweet

BRITISH actor Idris Elba is stoking speculation he may take over the role of James Bond when Daniel Craig steps aside, offering an enigmatic Twitter post that fuelled the buzz about him becoming the first black Bond.

According to the New York Post, the star of shows such as The Wire and Luther on Sunday posted an artistic selfie under the words “my name’s Elba, Idris Elba,” echoing the spy’s famous catchphrase.

American film producer Antoine Fuqua stoked long-running speculation about Elba taking on the role last week, when he told Britain’s Daily Star that Bond movie boss Barbara Broccoli had said “it is time” for a non-white actor to play agent 007.

But before fans go overboard, Elba posted another tweet a few hours later saying, “Don’t believe the HYPE ….”

Earlier this year, it was reported that Daniel Craig would return as Bond for the as-yet-untitled 25th film in the long-running franchise, to be helmed by Trainspotting director Danny Boyle.

Craig’s fifth appearance as Bond - due for release in October 2019 - will make him the actor with the third-highest number of appearances as the fabled spy.

Sean Connery and Roger Moore both clocked up seven films as 007, while Pierce Brosnan made four, Timothy Dalton made two and George Lazenby made one.

Bond producers have already displayed a willingness to change the racial backgrounds of key characters in the series. The character of Miss Moneypenny, portrayed by white actresses such as Lois Maxwell and Samantha Bond for most Bond films, has been portrayed by Naomie Harris since Skyfall (2012).

Coincidentally, Elba and Harris have co-starred before, in the biopic Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2014).

Parts of this story first appeared in the New York Post and are republished with permission.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

 There is speculation that Idris Elba will be cast as James Bond, the British agent with his well-tailored tuxedo and his love for martinis and don't forget that he never dies despite all the danger he encounters.

This speculation comes after requests from fans to cast him in the role. If the producers consider and agree, it will be the first time the character will be played by a black man. It helps that he is handsome and British too and he looks like he will love a martini.

Idris Elba would make an incredible James Bond I hope he actually gets the role
James Bond Producers Are Leaning Toward Idris Elba As the Next 007 https://t.co/7Wgz5TJjaX

The director of the James Bond franchise Antoine Fuqua has not confirmed the rumour but fans can only be hopeful.

Although sometime in 2015, according to CNN, former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan endorsed Alba for the role, he told the Radio Times that he thought Elba will make a good Bond.