Africans troll as Idris Elba might be the next black James Bond

Africans troll as Idris Elba might be the next black James Bond.

Fans have been asking for Idris Elba to play 007 for years—and now, according to a new interview, it seems more and more likely it could actually happen.

Last year’s No Time to Die marked the end of the Daniel Craig era of James Bond films, which started with 2006’s Casino Royale. Craig’s Bond marked a shift in the franchise: The character was blonde for the first time, and the films got darker as they started to explore more complex themes. Now, with the role available for the first time in 15 years, speculation abounds as to who could be the next James Bond.

For years, Bond fans have suggested that Idris Elba take on the role. If given the part, he would make history as the first Black actor to lead a 007 film. Elba is a great choice—he first gained fame for his role as Stringer Bell on HBO’s The Wire and since has become People’s Sexiest Man Alive and an action movie star with roles in Hobbs & Shaw and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Elba said on an episode of HBO’s “The Shop” that although he wants to act for the rest of his life, “it is not a goal for my career.”

“I don’t think that playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals,” he said. “It will definitely satisfy the will of a nation, I’m not going to lie. Every corner of the world I go…they always go, ‘Bond.’ And I feel it is beyond me at this juncture.”

He said the idea of him being the first Black Bond could help conversations about diversifying casting, though.

Daniel Craig’s Bond died in the most recent iteration, No Time To Die, so the search is on. But the producers understand Elba’s hesitance, they told Variety.

“We love Idris,” producer Barbara Broccoli said. “The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing?’ Not everybody wants to do that.”

That won’t stop people from wishing, though.