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.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

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.

Sign up

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."