Henry Cavill and Tom Hardy might not be the UK audience’s top choices for a legacy-binding role in one of Hollywood’s most sought-after film series. We are, of course, talking about the $7.8B James Bond franchise.
With the end of Daniel Craig’s reign as the contemporary face of the iconic Ian Fleming-penned British secret agent, discussions emerged regarding the next potential actor to take on the role of James Bond and don his classic tuxedo.
Producer Barbara Broccoli has stated that the next portrayal of the character will undergo a process of “reinvention,” prompting fans to propose the names of various notable industry talents.
However, as per a recent nationwide survey in the UK, the audience’s top choice for the next James Bond happens to be an individual who has removed himself from the race and denied his participation in the endeavor multiple times. Take a look.
The UK Prefers Idris Elba Over Henry Cavill And Tom Hardy
The British have been very decisive about their opinion of who should play the next 007. Despite the ongoing introduction of fresh contenders, the UK audience continues to favor one particular candidate whose name has enjoyed a long-standing association with the legendary role. Although the actor hasn’t explicitly shown enthusiasm for taking on the role, it’s undeniable that fans of the franchise harbor a strong desire to see him do so.
In a recently conducted poll by William Hill Vegas, the British public’s most beloved iteration of James Bond and their favored choice for the next 007 actor were unveiled. The results for the latter showed that the likes of Henry Cavill and Tom Hardy couldn’t match up to the audience’s continued fascination for Luther alum Idris Elba.
According to the survey results, Elba secured 17.5% of the total votes. Trailing behind in the race, Tom Hardy received 16.6% of the votes, while Henry Cavill garnered 16.5%. Hence, The Suicide Squad star continues to be a popular choice among audiences as the preferred actor to succeed Craig in portraying the legendary peerless spy.
Read also: Henry Cavill, Tom Hiddleston, and 6 Other British Stars Who Will Nail it in the Next Kingsman Movie
Alas, none of the British public’s three favored candidates seem to meet the requirements for the role. There were reports that the James Bond producers were in search of an actor who was younger than 40. In a statement, producer Michael G. Wilson specifically emphasized the need for a “thirty-something” actor to play the part. This eligibility criteria automatically removes Idris Elba (50), Tom Hardy (45), and Henry Cavill (40) from the race.
Even if we were to ignore the age requirement, the UK’s top choice for the undertaking appears to have withdrawn from the competition quite early, displaying no particular interest in assuming the role.
Playing James Bond Is Not Idris Elba’s Career Goal
The MCU alum isn’t particularly interested in playing the next James Bond. Sure, for many the character holds considerable weight and is almost a guaranteed path to success. However, during an interview, Elba revealed that becoming a part of the $7.8 billion film franchise does not specifically align with his career aspirations. Opening up about the matter on The Shop podcast, the following is what the actor had to say:
“It is not a goal for my career. I don’t think that you know, playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals. It will definitely satisfy the will of a nation. I’m not gonna lie, every corner of the world I go, and I’m talking about different cultures, they always go ‘Bond,’ and I feel it is beyond me at this junction. It’s beyond me.”
On another occasion, Elba expressed his initial delight at being linked to the role. People advocating for the actor’s involvement in the much-exalted film series excited the actor. Things only took a distasteful turn when those opposed to his depiction of James Bond started introducing racist ideologies into the discussion, subsequently tainting the whole concept. Elba ended up paying the price for what had started as a lighthearted situation.
Therefore, it’s no surprise to see the actor taking a step away from the acclaimed role.
Source: Express
