New Idris Elba as James Bond Rumor Is “All Made Up Stuff”

No one from the actor's team is aware of any overtures from producers of the spy series

Fleet Street is at it again.

On Aug. 9, the U.K.-tabloid The Daily Star published a story stating that Equalizer franchise director Antoine Fuqua "told an industry pal" that he spoke with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli about the future of the spy franchise.

Fuqua was said to have mentioned Idris Elba in conversation. "You need a guy with physically strong presence. Idris has that," was how the Star quotes what the Fuqua "pal" said the director had told Broccoli.

But a rep for Fuqua threw cold water on the story. "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," the rep told The Hollywood Reporter.

A rep for Elba declined comment, but a knowledgeable source says no one from Elba’s team is aware of any overtures.

In what became an irresistible game of telephone, the mention of Elba, 45, as a contender for the iconic role once again echoed throughout social media and magazine headlines. The actor has been linked to James Bond rumors for at least five years and Elba has responded magnanimously to each rumor cycle.

Meanwhile, Daniel Craig, 50, is confirmed for his fifth turn as Bond in the untitled next chapter in the series dated for Nov. 8, 2019, which is being written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Craig has played the character since taking over from Pierce Brosnan for 2008's franchise reboot Casino Royale.

Danny Boyle is directing the sequel to Spectre, which grossed $880 million worldwide after its release in November 2015. The film is being distributed by MGM stateside and Universal internationally.

Elba's upcoming projects include Netflix's Turn Up Charlie, a half hour comedy series that he's starring in and producing, and the independent drama adaptation of the novel Ghetto Cowboy, which he's also starring in and producing.