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Idris Elba should be the next James Bond, says Tom Hanks

Hanks was clear about who should play the iconic spy next in an interview with BBC News.

Tom Hanks and Idris Elba

Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy, Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Published: Tuesday, 9 May 2023 at 11:20 am

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As the search for the next James Bond star continues, Tom Hanks has given his personal opinion on who should take up the mantle – and it's Idris Elba.

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Elba's name has long been mentioned when it comes to the role of Bond, with some suggesting that his performance in this year's Luther spin-off film Luther: The Fallen Sun was something of an audition for the part.

Elba denied this, but the film itself even made reference to Bond, with Elba's Luther refusing a martini, Bond's drink of choice, in favour of a water.

Idris Elba as John Luther in Luther: The Fallen Sun

Idris Elba as John Luther in Luther: The Fallen Sun. John Wilson/Netflix

Speaking with BBC News in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the release of his debut novel, Hanks said: "Understand this: James Bond has a licence to kill. I would issue that licence to Idris Elba just based on the work that I've seen him do."

Unfortunately, Hanks may not get his wish, as last year Elba said that playing Bond is "not a goal for my career", adding: "I don’t think that, you know, playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals."

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Elba instead appears to have his eye set on a Luther film franchise, with Bond being used as "the template" for the detective's new adventures.

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Elba will next be seen in Apple TV+ thriller Hijack in which he plays Sam Nelson, an "accomplished negotiator in the business world" who steps in with a high-risk strategy to try and save his fellow passengers on a hijacked plane heading to London.

Meanwhile, Young James Bond writer Charlie Higson recently told RadioTimes.com that a movie based on the books is unlikely, as the team behind the films "probably have no interest in making Young Bond".

No Time to Die is available to stream on Prime Video, with other Bond films also available to purchase – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days.

Visit our Film hub for the latest news and features. If you're looking for something to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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