Idris Elba was tagged as Steven Spielberg's first choice for the new James Bond. (Photo : Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett)
If he were to choose who among the next 007 candidates would be fit to take the role, award-winning director Steven Spielberg mentioned British actor Idris Elba would be his first choice. The "Jaws" and "ET" director said he wanted to see a black version of the formidable character.
In one of his interviews, Spielberg mentioned he is a huge Bond fan and he would love to see another Bond to be portrayed in another color. He added Elba would be his first option if the recent James Bond actor Daniel Craig decides not to return for the next installment, Express reported.
At 43, Elba believes he does not anymore deserve the iconic role, saying he was "too old" to portray as James Bond. The concern was raised after Craig expressed he is somewhat not interested anymore to return in the big screen to portray the 007 agent. The last Bond movie where Craig starred was during "Spectre."
Aside from Elba, other names being considered for the coveted role are Tom Hiddleston, Damian Lewis, Aidan Turner, and James Norton, Independent reported. A new Bond film is slated for launching in 2018, and big bosses are now taking time to find the next lead actor.
On the other hand, its previous director, Sam Mendes already confirmed he will not be returning to direct the upcoming installment. Spielberg is not also likely to replace the role, saying the producers cannot "afford" him anymore. In the previous years, Spielberg was turned down twice by franchise boss Albert Broccoli who thought he was not right for the part.
The legendary director recalled he tried to communicate with Broccoli twice in order to land the director's role, but he still did not get it. Spielberg explained, "Even after 'Close Encounters' came out and was a big hit I tried to get on a Bond film. Once again he didn't think I was right for the part."
It has been reported that MGM Studios tried to win Craig back, but the actor said he is already done with the franchise. For other details about the 2018 Bond film, watch the video clip below.
