The buzz about Idris Elba possibly playing James Bond has been building for over a decade, but sadly, it looks like he won’t be stepping into the super-famous role any time soon—or ever.
Elba, while on the “yellow carpet” at the premiere of his new film Yardie, was approached by a reporter from Good Morning Britain who offered him a martini, Bond’s signature drink.
“We just wanted to know whether you liked it shaken or stirred,” she said.
Elba was clearly not going to take the bait, as he responded, “Stir-fried, actually.”
And when asked if he was going to replace Daniel Craig as 007, he left no further room for rumors: “No.”
According to PEOPLE, Elba had tweeted, “Don’t believe the HYPE” this month already, seeming to have grown tired of the swirling rumors.
my name’s Elba, Idris Elba. pic.twitter.com/kEyyaVg8JX
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018
I’m sure so many people are disappointed by this news, since people have been hoping for years to see future James Bond actors who, uh, aren’t just white men. But if Elba won’t be taking over the franchise, some people have already set their sights on other contenders—Jimmy Fallon, for example, suggested that Henry Golding be next to step up to the plate.
I, like many others, would have loved to see Elba in Bond’s shoes, but it looks like it wasn’t meant to be. Now that that’s settled, who do you think should play the next James Bond? Let us know in the comments!