Idris Elba has firmly dismissed the persistent rumors regarding his potential casting as James Bond, stating in a recent interview with British GQ that such speculation was 'never legit.' He elaborated that while he appreciates the compliment, he believes that some markets may not accept a Black actor in the iconic role, which he attributes to cultural preferences. Elba stressed the importance of maintaining the character's traditional portrayal, stating, 'Bond is all about escapism' and cautioned against altering the character to fit modern sensibilities. As the conversation around a new James Bond continues, auditions are currently taking place, with Australian actor Jacob Elordi reportedly among the candidates. Elba, who is also promoting his latest film, Masters of the Universe, plays the role of Man-At-Arms in the movie, which has received critical acclaim despite soft box office performance. The ongoing speculation about the future of the Bond franchise highlights the evolving conversation around representation in film.