Idris Elba downplays interest in 007: 'Luther is my Bond'
For months, Idris Elba has been hotly tipped as the most popular choice to take on the role of James Bond when Daniel Craig retires. The speculation has led to impassioned essays, Photoshopped images, and even an acknowledgement from Elba himself.
But in an interview on Wednesday, Elba seemed to downplay his own interest in playing 007. Following an early screening of a special two-hour Luther episode set to premiere on BBC America later this month, Elba said John Luther — a brilliant London homicide detective who arrived on the small screen in 2011 — is close enough to playing 007 for his tastes.
"In truth, candidly, everyone keeps talking about Bond, and all that nonsense," said Elba. "But the truth is, you know: Luther is my Bond. You've got a central character who gets himself into a lot of shit. No reinvention of the wheel there."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Whether or not Elba ever actually takes over the 007 franchise, it sounds like Luther is here to stay. "Luther is one of those characters I think we could just keep going with, you know?" reflected Elba, revealing his own interest in headlining a big-screen adaptation of Luther. "If I could play that part forever, I'll do it."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.
-
Today's political cartoons - October 12, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - male magnetism, denial in a deluge, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 conspiratorial cartoons about FEMA
Cartoons Artists take on paper towel politics, king-sized conspiracies, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Take an island-hopping trip around Brittany
The Week Recommends From neolithic monuments to colourful harbours, there is much to discover
By The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published