Idris Elba has sparked widespread speculation about his potential casting as the next James Bond, following a playful video shared from Madame Tussauds. The 53-year-old actor interacted with wax figures of previous 007s while the iconic Bond theme played in the background, drawing enthusiastic reactions from fans who see him as the ideal successor to Daniel Craig.
In the video posted on December 21, 2025, Elba stood at the end of a line of wax figures, prompting fans to flood the comments section with excitement. Many expressed their support for him taking on the legendary role, with comments like, “Not just the Bond we want… the Bond we NEED,” and “You would be an AMAZING Bond!” His playful tease has reignited hopes that he could replace Craig, who concluded his tenure as the iconic spy in 2021.
Elba’s film career has been nothing short of remarkable, with his films grossing over $9.8 billion globally, making him one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors in history. Despite this success, Elba has recently indicated a desire to shift his focus towards directing. During a Q&A session at the Red Sea International Film Festival earlier this month, he noted his aspirations to fully transition into directing, stating, “I want to transfer to be a director fully… directing allows me to flex slightly different muscles.”
In addition to his directorial ambitions, Elba is keen to enhance his understanding of political matters. He expressed feeling out of place in discussions with politicians and indicated a desire to pursue further education in human sciences. “I’ve found myself feeling like an imposter in the political arena,” he admitted. “I don’t want to be a politician, but I think there’s something quite appealing about educating myself.”
Elba’s latest project, titled Dust to Dreams, explores the life of a young woman who inherits a struggling nightclub in Lagos and reunites with her estranged father, played by singer Seal. The film marks Elba’s second directorial effort, following his debut with Yardie.
While he looks to the future, Elba has not completely stepped away from acting. Reports suggest that a sequel to his popular series Luther is in the works, with filming set to begin in February 2026. The upcoming project will see the return of Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan and Dermot Crowley as Martin Schenk, with Neil Cross writing the script and Jamie Payne directing.
As fans eagerly await news on Elba’s potential role as the next Bond, his career continues to evolve, with new opportunities on the horizon both in front of and behind the camera. The excitement surrounding his candidacy for the iconic role reflects the public’s desire for a fresh take on the beloved character.
