Idris Elba rules out becoming the next James Bond but keeps hopes alive for 007 role

Idris Elba is asked what he thinks about having a black James Bond

Idris Elba has ruled out becoming the next James Bond, but didn't put an end to 007 rumours altogether.

Asked by ITV London if he'd play the famed spy, the 49-year-old said: "No I'm not going to be James Bond."

But quizzed on whether he'd like to take on the role at some point, Elba added: "Who wouldn't?"

In the nearly 50 years since the first Bond film, the British agent has never been played by a black actor.

"How amazing would it be to have a black James Bond?" Elba was asked on the red carpet for The Harder They Fall - a new western about black cowboys.

"It's a sign of the times when we can stop talking about black, white, and colour," he replied.

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