Despite being a hugely popular choice to take over the role of 007 from Daniel Craig, Idris Elba appears to have removed himself from the role, telling Good Morning America that he thinks he is "too old" to play the suave spy, and that it is the "wildest rumour in the world."
In an interview with Michael Strahan, he said: "If I'm really honest, man, I think I'm too old for that, I can't be running around in cars and ladies and martinis – who wants to do that? It sounds terrible!
Idris has said he is "too old" for the role
"If it were to happen, it would be the will of a nation, because there's not been talks of me in the studios about any of that. But everywhere I go, people want that to happen."
He then explained that it was actually Daniel Craig, who has played Bond in four films now, who sparked the discussion to give Idris the role next. He said: "Daniel Craig actually set the rumour off. About four years ago he said Idris Elba would be a great Bond, and then it started to creep. I blame Daniel!"
5 REASONS IDRIS ELBA WOULD MAKE THE PERFECT BOND
Idris addressed the rumours on Good Morning America
Idris is one of several contenders for the part, with other household names including Tom Hiddleston, Jamie Bell and Damian Lewis among favourites for the iconic role. However, Tom has also appears to have ruled himself out from the role. Speaking at the Wizard World Comic Con, he said: "I don't think that announcement is coming…I am very gratified to hear the enthusiasm. Your guess is as good as mine, to be honest."
WHO WILL PLAY THE NEXT JAMES BOND?
Damian also joked that he didn't think the producers were interested in giving him the role, telling Sunday Times Magazine: "It's all hypothetical. No one has called me up. No one has emailed. I've sent them postcards from exotic locations. I've sent selfless of my abs from the gym. I've done everything I can to get the job, and nothing."