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Joanna Lumley: Idris Elba ‘doesn’t fit the description’ for James Bond

Idris Elba as Luther - Credit: BBC
Idris Elba as Luther - Credit: BBC

Idris Elba has long been tipped for 007…

But it looks as though Joanna Lumley isn’t fussed.

During an interview with the Radio Times, the former Bond girl revealed that while she definitely agrees that 007’s casting should be colour-blind, she doesn’t think Idris Elba fits author Ian Fleming’s description of the iconic British superspy.

“Idris Elba is stunning – and was incidentally in Absolutely Fabulous,” she explained. “But I don’t think he is right for Bond, who is quite clearly described in the book.”

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Joanna Lumley famously had her own brush with Bond in the 007 classic, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ – appearing as one of Blofeld’s Angels of Death alongside then Bond, George Lazenby.

“I’m colour-blind when it comes to acting,” she added. “But Idris Elba is just a zonking great star anyway.”

And she even suggested he should take on another project instead.

“I think ‘Idris Elba for fab new fabness’ is what I would say.”

Not the right fit for Bond, says Lumley - Credit: BBC
Not the right fit for Bond, says Lumley – Credit: BBC

Of course, Idris Elba has long been suggested for the role of James Bond, with a huge outpouring of support from fans. And he continues to be suggested for the role as rumours persist of Daniel Craig’s impending retirement.

But it seems Idris himself isn’t too fussed, either.

“If I’m really honest, I think I’m too old for that,” he told Good Morning America. ‘Running around and cars and ladies and martinis… who wants to do that? Sounds terrible.”

Then again, he perhaps he was just being coy…

Either way, it looks as though we might be waiting a while, as it seems Daniel Craig is likely heading back for at least one more movie as 007. And by the time Craig finally steps down, it looks as though Elba will be amongst hot competition, with Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, and Aidan Turner tipped for the role.

But for now, we’ll have to wait and see.

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