Idris Elba ‘back in talks to star as James Bond after secret market research’

Idris Elba is reportedly in talks once again to star in the lead role in the James Bond films.

The actor, 49, was confirmed as being ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007 by the blockbuster franchise’s producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, earlier this year.

He had previously ditched the idea of playing the spy and discussed the idea of playing a villain instead, but he is again being considered after he ranked highly in market research, according to The Sun.  

New role? Idris Elba, 49, is reportedly in talks once again to star in the lead role in the James Bond films (pictured in October)

A source told the publication: ‘Idris has long been in talks to play a role in the next era of James Bond’s story and last year was being considered for a role as an antagonist.

‘However, talks surrounding him playing the lead have started again as producers realised how popular he would be after carrying out secret market research.

‘He ranked highly among the diverse group of movie buffs invited to participate in it. 

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) 

‘They didn’t want to see him as a nemesis — they want him as the hero.’

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Idris for comment. 

It comes after James Bond producer Barbara admitted it will take a long time to choose Daniel Craig’s 007 replacement.

The filmmaker insisted it’s not as easy as picking an actor to take on the iconic role of the suave spy.

Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: ‘It’s a big decision.

‘It’s not just casting a role. It’s about a whole rethink about where we’re going.’

Confirmed: Idris was confirmed as being ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007 by the blockbuster franchise’s producer Barbara Broccoli, 61, earlier this year (pictured 2019)

Earlier this year, the blockbuster franchise’s producer confirmed Idris Elba was ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007.

Idris has long been mooted as a possible successor to Daniel, and Barbara is aware that the Luther actor would be a popular choice for the iconic part.

She told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast: ‘Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor. And, you know, it’s been a part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.’

Barbara added that there is no rush from Bond bosses to name the actor as they want to let the cast and crew savour the Craig’s final movie No Time To Die.

She said: ‘I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.’

It was previously reported that Idris was in ‘early’ talks to play a Bond villain.

A source claimed to The Sun: ‘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.’

Other names linked to the role of the MI-6 agent include Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Richard Madden. 

Could it be them? Bond bosses are in the midst of looking for a replacement, with the likes of Tom Hiddleston [R] and Idris Elba [L] tipped to play 007 next

Bodyguard: Richard Madden has also been suggested for the role