Idris Elba on All Those James Bond Rumors: I Blame Daniel Craig

2 minute read

Idris Elba says there’s one man to blame for all the rumors flying around that he might be the next James Bond.

And it’s the current James Bond!

Elba, 42, addressed the ongoing speculation Tuesday at an event at London’s British Film Institute, saying talks with Bond producers have “never happened” and tracing the rumors to a fellow English actor who knows a thing or two about the role.

Daniel Craig actually set the rumor off. About four years ago he said, ‘Idris Elba would be a great Bond,’ and then it started to creep,” said The Wire actor, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

He added, jokingly, “I blame Daniel.”

Elba said last year that if the role were offered to him, he’d “absolutely” take it. Unfortunately, he’s starting to think the endless speculation has overhyped the idea.

“Honestly, it’s a rumor that’s really starting to eat itself,” he said. “If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it’s gone.”

Well, maybe that’s O.K. — he’s got plenty to keep him busy, after all. He recently started filming a new two-part special for his show Luther in London. And he’s getting even more involved in music, which he said Tuesday that he likes “more than acting.”

Tuesday’s event was the premiere of Mandela, My Dad and Me, a documentary he produced based on his 2014 album inspired by Nelson Mandela. Elba is also working on an album inspired by his Luther character.

“Musically, I would like to work with any one of the Marley brothers, I would like to work with Janelle Monáe, Adele,” he said.

This article originally appeared on People.com

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