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Idris Elba Says He Was Never in the Running for the Next James Bond

Amazon MGM has confirmed an active search, with Denis Villeneuve and producers attached and casting director Nina Gold leading a hunt that points toward a younger British lead and a 2028-or-later release.

Overview

  • Idris Elba said Saturday that he was never being considered to play James Bond and added that producers are focusing on younger actors.
  • Amazon MGM Studios posted this month that the search for the next Bond is underway, but the studio has not announced a casting decision.
  • Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct and Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing, with Steven Knight reported to be writing the script.
  • Variety and other outlets report that casting director Nina Gold is running the search and that names floated in trades include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Louis Partridge, though insiders say a lesser-known British actor in his late 20s or early 30s is likely.
  • Villeneuve’s existing commitments to finish his Dune trilogy mean casting and production are expected to stretch the project, making a theatrical release in 2028 or later the current industry expectation.