Idris Elba ‘in talks to star in next James Bond film as a VILLAIN’ – as search for 007’s replacement rumbles on

He has been one of the favourites to take over the role of James Bond now that Daniel Craig has stepped down.

But it appears Idris Elba will be taking on the role of a villain rather than as 007, according to reports. 

The actor, 49, had been hotly tipped to play the famous spy and despite stating last month that he hadn’t been offered the role, that didn’t stop him from admitting he would if given the chance.

New role? Idris Elba ‘is in talks to star in next James Bond film as a VILLAIN’ – as the search for 007’s replacement rumbles on

Now The Sun reports that insiders are saying he will be taking on the mantle of the Bond baddie instead.

A source said: ‘Idris has had informal talks with the studio and he has been told there is a role in the next Bond film for him, if he wants it.

‘He won’t be the title character, but they do recognise the amount of pull and respect he commands, and they want to work with him on a completely original character for the next instalment.

‘It is still very early days for the conversations but, so far, it looks like it would be the role of a villain.’

MailOnline has contacted Idris’ representatives for comment. 

No more: Idris had been one of the favourites to take over the role of James Bond now that Daniel Craig has stepped down (pictured in No Time To Die) 

Daniel signed off from from the Bond franchise with its most recent release No Time to Die.

Since then, the likes of Tom Hardy, Regé-Jean Page, Henry Cavill and Idris have been tipped as possible contenders. 

Idris ruled himself last month when he confirmed: ‘No I’m not going to be James Bond.’ But when quizzed on whether he’d like to take on the role at some point, he added: ‘Who wouldn’t?’

The star is currently busy shooting the feature-length film of his crime drama Luther in the UK.

It comes after Dwayne Johnson became the latest actor to throw his hat into the ring to play the British spy.

The Rock, 49, revealed in Esquire that he would like to become part of the franchise to carry on a family tradition.

Dwayne’s grandfather Peter Maivia was a pro wrestler from Samoa who appeared in a minor role in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Action superstar: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recently threw his hat into the ring to be selected as the next James Bond

With a screenplay by Roald Dahl, the movie featured Sean Connery in the lead and Peter as a muscle man for Teru Shimada’s main villain character Osato.

‘Yes, my grandfather was a Bond villain in You Only Live Twice with Sean Connery. Very, very cool,’ Dwayne said in an Esquire video.

‘And I would like to follow in his footsteps and be the next Bond. I don’t wanna be a villain. You gotta be Bond,’ he vamped.

Remember when: Dwayne’s grandfather Peter Maivia was a pro wrestler from Samoa who appeared in a minor role in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice

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