Originally published September 1, 2015. Updated December 15, 2019.
Back in 2012 it was reported that Daniel Craig had signed a two-film extension to his 007 contract following Skyfall, but now it seems he may be looking to retire his license to kill following this year’s Spectre.
Speaking to Esquire, Craig was asked if he plans to return as James Bond following the spy’s 24th adventure, replying that: “I really don’t know. Honestly. I’m not trying to be coy. At the moment I can’t even conceive it…At this moment, no. I have a life and I’ve got to get on with it a bit. But we’ll see.”
SEE ALSO: Sam Mendes says “Bond has been rebooted” for Spectre
When Craig does decide to call it a day, it seems that Idris Elba (Luther) will find himself high on the list of candidates to succeed him, and while Elba seems to have a lot of support amongst fans, Anthony Horowitz – author of the Bond novel Trigger Mortis – has sparked outrage with his comments on the subject, telling the Mail on Sunday that:
“For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too “street” for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.”
Horowitz has since posted an apology, stating that: “I’m really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn’t my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I’m a writer not a casting director so what do I know? Clumsily, I chose the word ‘street’ as Elba’s gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offence”
UPDATE: Idris Elba has now responded to Horowitz’s comments via Instagram…
https://instagram.com/p/7GtPfvzGHh/
SEE ALSO: Pierce Brosnan endorses Idris Elba for James Bond
What do you make of Horowitz’s comments, and who would you like to see taking over as Bond after Daniel Craig? Let us know in the comments below…
Spectre is set for release in the UK on October 23rd in the UK and November 6th in the States. The film sees Sam Mendes (Skyfall) directing Bond veterans Daniel Craig as James Bond, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny, Ralph Fiennes as M and Jesper Christensen as Mr. White, alongside franchise newcomers Andrew Scott (Pride) as Denbigh, Lea Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Colour) as Madeleine Swann, Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) as Mr. Hinx, Monica Bellucci (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) as Lucia Sciarra, Stephanie Sigman (The Bridge) as Estrella and Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) as Oberhauser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=qvTY7eXXIMg
