James Bond: Idris Elba SPEAKS on cryptic selfie with Daniel Craig and those 007 rumours

The 46-year-old is 4-1 to be the next James Bond after Daniel Craig bows out next year. And while auditions for the incumbent’s replacement won’t take place for a few more years, Elba likes to joke around with his fans. Back in January, the actor shared a selfie with Craig at the Golden Globe awards. Elba simply wrote: “Awk…..” over it, while the tweet said: “Er…”

Now Elba has spoken out on the picture in a new interview with Event magazine.

Asked if he was teasing taking over the role, he said: “Nah, we just did it on the spur of the moment, thought it would be a laugh.

“It was a selfie. Didn’t realise it would be picture of the year.”

Meanwhile, Elba revealed why he didn’t think playing Bond was for him.

IS THIS WHEN BOND 25’S TITLE WILL BE REVEALED?

The actor continued: “Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and for that reason, whoever ends up playing it, lives it.

“You’re THAT character, and known as that character for many, many years.

“I’m creating characters now that can still live alongside Idris.

“Not ones that take over me and solely define me.”

Elba feels his role in the upcoming Fast and Furious spin-off is just right for him instead.

He added: “The Hobbs And Shaw character Brixton Lore is brilliant. Awesome.

“I’d love to see that franchise up and running, but it wouldn’t define me.”

Daniel Craig starts shooting Bond 25 in April for an April 8, 2020 release.