Yesterday (Aug. 10), we reported that Idris Elba was in the front running to play James Bond. The original story came from U.K. tabloid The Daily Star, which claimed that director Antoine Fuqua spoke with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli about implementing a Black James Bond into the franchise. "You need a guy with physically strong presence. Idris has that," was the quote that The Daily Star claimed Fuqua made, and they also stated that Broccoli was responsive to the idea.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, reps from Fuqua's camp reached out to them to reveal that the conversation in question between the director and Broccoli never happened. "He never had a conversation with Barbara about the franchise or about any casting. It’s all made up stuff. Not sure how it got started," stated the rep. A rep from Elba's team declined to comment, but THR claims sources within his camp are saying that they are not aware of any overtures.
Daniel Craig will continue his role as James Bond for one final film. He has infamously revealed that he isn't a fan of playing the spy, but whoever picks up the mantle next will have big shoes to fill. Fans have been calling for Elba to play Bond for years now, but it isn't looking promising at this point.