Idris Elba has said that he was inspired by the James Bond films when making the movie adaptation of his hit BBC drama series, Luther. The 50-year-old actor and DJ was talking ahead of the release of the film, which is called Luther: The Fallen Sun and releases on streaming platform Netflix in March.
"It’s not a competition, but I reference Bond as a template for the type of film we’re going for. John is a leading character in a film that he’s the hero of. That’s the comparison I’m making. Some films do them well – Bond is one of them."
Over the years, Elba's name has long been associated with 007 following the end of Daniel Craig's tenure in the role. Despite this, he has continually denied rumours that he has met with producers about the iconic role.
Read more: With BBC's The Traitors finished, here's a Netflix game show for you to check out
In fact, while promoting his film Beast last year, the actor refused to talk about the casting rumours. "I have no more answers for it. I just tell people: 'Aw, don’t ask me that.’ Because a lot of times it’s really lazy journalism. And people try to use it as clickbait like ‘what’s he gonna say this time?’"
Other names associated with Bond are Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston and recently, Aaron Taylor-Johnson has reportedly become a frontrunner to succeed Daniel Craig. A source told The Sun: "Aaron has impressed bosses so much that he has filmed one of the franchise's famous gun barrel teaser scenes, something all the actors do. That move takes him a step closer to signing a deal."
While Bond may not be on the horizon for Elba, he has said that he hopes there's a future for John Luther. Continuing his interview with Total Film magazine, Elba explained: "My ambition for it is to have that sort of scale, that reverence. I want people to be like: ‘Ooh! Luther, the first film? Wicked.’ And to continue that. And then maybe later down the line, when I’m too old, someone else will step in to play John."
The new film will also see Dermot Crowley reprise his role as Detective Superintendent Martin Schenk, with new cast members including Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis as a tech billionaire who uses surveillance technology to manipulate and kill civilians. Luther: The Fallen Sun debuts on Netflix in March. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
