After years of rumors and denials, Idris Elba may actually be on the short list to become the next James Bond… or not.
British tabloid the Daily Star published a story Thursday claiming The Equalizer 2 director Antoine Fuqua “told an industry pal” Bond producer Barbara Broccoli wants more diversity in the 007 franchise.
The report claims Broccoli told Fuqua “it is time” for a black actor to take over the role once Daniel Craig’s contract ends, and she is certain “it will happen eventually.”
Fuqua reportedly assured Broccoli: “Idris could do it if he was in shape. You need a guy with physically strong presence. Idris has that.”
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The tabloid claimed Fuqua spilled the beans about his alleged conversation with Brocolli at the launch of his new entertainment app, SoundFi.
The only problem is Fuqua’s camp says the story isn’t true.
“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,” a rep for the director told The Hollywood Reporter.
In 2014, Elba dismissed rumors that he was in the running to take over the role by joking on Twitter: “Isn’t 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I’ve got a shot! Happy New Year people.”
Looks like we’ll have to stay tuned for a real announcement, or wait for the next time this rumor gets shaken and stirred.
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