F1 star Damson Idris has dismissed speculation he’s being lined up as the next James Bond – insisting the rumours are “definitely not true”.
Damson Idris has dismissed speculation he’s being lined up as the next James Bond.
The F1 star is among the famous faces being tipped to take over the role of 007 from Daniel Craig as the superspy franchise is brought back to the biig screen by Amazon MGM Studios – but Idris, 34, is adamant he’s not in the frame to play the iconic character.
During an appearance at the Golden Globe Awards, he told E! News: “It’s definitely not true, it’s just a rumor. All these roles are superb and I think it’s a testament to a young artist to be given that compliment.”
He added of the Bond speculation: “There’s been many artists before me [sic] – Idris Elba, my big brother, and many artists today. So I think it’s just a testament saying that we’re doing a good job and have people see us.”
Another actor rumoured to be in the running to land the coveted part was Tom Holland but it was recently revealed his Marvel contract has banned him from taking on any work that could overshadow his lead role in the Spider-Man movies.
Speaking to chef Gordon Ramsay on YouTube, Tom said of the rumours: “Listen, there’s speculation at the moment. We’ll keep it to a minimum for now. We’ll get there one day.”
The Hell’s Kitchen star then further pressed Tom on the issue saying: “Can you imagine what’s going to happen to your life if you do? First of all, you’d love that opportunity, right?”
Tom replied: “I mean every young British actor, it’s the pinnacle of working in our industry. I already consider myself to be the luckiest kid alive. I could not have dreamed to have the career that I have.”
The 26th Bond film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is set to head into production at Pinewood Studios in the UK in April and the story – which is being written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight – will reportedly centre on the threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
The new movie will mark a new era for the franchise after Amazon MGM took creative control from long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson earlier this year but Villeneuve vowed to “honour the tradition” of the iconic spy when he was announced as the director of the latest movie.
The 58-year-old filmmaker said: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.
“To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”
Damson Idris dismisses James Bond rumours
