The 49-year-old actor was confirmed as “part of the debate” as the next 007 by super-productive franchise producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, earlier this year.
He had previously abandoned the idea of playing the spy and had discussed the idea of playing a villain, but is being considered again after taking a high position in market research, according to the Sun.
New role? Idris Elba, 49, is reportedly in talks once again to star in the James Bond film (October photo)
A source told the article: “Idris has been in talks for a long time to play a role in the next season of the James Bond story and last year he was considered for a rival role.
“However, the discussions about its protagonist started again as the producers realized how popular it would be after conducting a secret market research.
“It ranked well among the different groups of film lovers who were invited to participate in it.
Not anymore: Idris was one of the favorites to take on the role of James Bond now that Daniel Craig has resigned (photo in No Time To Die)
“They did not want to be seen as an enemy – they want him as a hero.”
MailOnline contacted an Idris representative for comment.
It comes after James Bond producer Barbara admitted it would take a long time to choose a replacement for Daniel Craig 007.
The director insisted that it is not as easy as choosing an actor to take on the iconic role of the polite spy.
Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: “It’s a big decision.
“It’s not just about putting on a role. “This is a whole re-examination of where we are going.”
Confirmed: Idris was confirmed as “part of the discussion” as the next 007 by superproductive franchise producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, earlier this year (2019 photo)
Earlier this year, the producer of the blockbuster franchise confirmed that Idris Elba was “part of the discussion” as the next 007.
Idris has long been considered a possible successor to Daniel, and Barbara knows that Luther’s actor would be a popular choice for the iconic part.
He said on the Deadline’s Crew Call podcast: “Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him and he’m a great actor. And, you know, it was part of the conversation, but it’s always hard to talk when you have someone in the seat. “
Barbara added that there is no rush from Bond bosses to name the actor as they want to leave the cast and crew to enjoy Craig No Time To Die’s latest film.
He said: “I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has started and Daniel is able – well, we were all able to enjoy, to reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we will not do it. think or talk about anyone else. “
It was previously reported that Idris was in “early” talks to play a bad Bond.
A source told The Sun: “Idris had informal conversations with the studio and was told there was a role in Bond’s next film if he wanted to.
“It will not be the character of the title, but they recognize the intensity and respect it commands, and they want to work with him on a completely original character for the next installment.
“It’s still too early for discussion, but so far it seems to be the role of a bad guy.”
Other names associated with the MI-6 agent include Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Richard Madden.
Could they be? Bond bosses are in the middle of looking for a replacement, like Tom Hiddleston [R] and Idris Elba [L] is expected to play 007 next
Bodyguard: Richard Madden has also been nominated for the role
