Following Daniel Craig’s departure, James Bond producers are still looking for a replacement for 007

Daniel Craig has hung up his secret agent’s dinner jacket and put his time as James Bond behind him. The actor, who has played the character since Casino Royale in 2006, released his final film as the most famous spy in cinema history last October. The producers, focused on promoting the film, have confirmed that the selection process has begun and while there is no shortage of candidates of all kinds, and many are offering themselves for the role, they are clear: Idris Elba is part of the conversation.

Speaking to Deadline, producer Barbara Broccoli has been full of praise for Elba, one of the fittest actors in Hollywood and present in numerous blockbusters. “Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a terrific actor,” producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed to Deadline. “And, you know, he’s been part of this whole process, and it’s always hard to have a serious conversation when you have someone who sounds as good as he does,” she explains.

Although the process seems to be open, and they’re already moving to cast the next spy, they’re not really in a rush to name a new James Bond just yet. “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. So, you know, 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.” he concluded.

Although fans want Idris Elba as James Bond, he is not the odds-on favourite. Last year it emerged that Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page was the odds-on favourite, while others such as Henry Cavill and Luke Evans began to emerge as candidates over Elba. In any case, Pierce Brosnan, former 007, decided to back the actor. “Idris Elba comes to mind,” the GoldenEye star told People, “Idris has such a powerful presence and a great voice before him. He’d be great. There’s also Tom Hardy,” he concluded. Elba, for his part, and during the theatrical release of No Time to Die in cinemas, tried to disassociate himself from the issue. “No, I’m not going to be James Bond,” he concluded.

It seems that, given the controversy surrounding this selection process, we still have a long way to go before we see the new James Bond being officially unveiled.

Source: vandal