Is he the chosen one? Idris Elba 'absolutely wants to play' James Bond
IT'S one of the most-coveted action roles in film and now Idris Elba has joined those hoping to be named the next James Bond.
After Daniel Craig hangs up his special agent badge, Elba has thrown hat in the ring to take over the 007 mantle when his countryman quits the role.
The 42-year-old admitted he would jump at the chance to play England's most famous spy and all round ladies man.
The Luther actor, who recently portrayed Nelson Mandela in a biopic about the former South African president, made the revelation in a Reddit 'Ask Me Anything' session over the weekend.
Asked by one user if he would take on the role of 007 if it was offered to him, Elba said: “Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely”.
Rumours have long been swirling that the father-of-one is set to be the next Bond, after Craig finishes his duties for the forthcoming 24th and 25th instalments of hit franchise.
However, Elba has admitted that he gets a kick out of playing baddies on-screen rather than the wholesome good guy.
“I find villains way more compelling to unearth their psyche. Writers love writing for villains because they can get a lot more off their chest, and it just means a lot more stuff for the actor to do,” he said.
He added: “But good guys are also a challenge, because if you don't get the balance between being real and being, you know, a stereotypically good guy, your character can come across as corny.
"So each has its challenges, but I think being a bad guy has more."
Meanwhile, Elba became the the first ever recipient of the Inspiration gong at the Mobo Awards 2014 nominations launch in London yesterday.
Mobo founder Kanya King said she selected him as the inaugural winner because of his determination to "help and inspire the next generation of talent."
Elba's next project will see him voice tiger villain Shere Khan in Disney’s live-action remake of The Jungle Book.