James Bond producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, have addressed Idris Elba’s recent statement that he doesn’t see himself playing the role of 007. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, he said "When I look in the mirror, I don't see James Bond."

The two producers responded to Elba’s comment in a recent interview with Variety. Broccoli had the following to say, "We love Idris. The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-12-year commitment. So, he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it]. "

Her partner, Wilson, interjected with a statement that Craig was in his 30s when he first took on the role. Given that Elba is already 50, a 10-12-year commitment to playing Bond will put him in his 60s by the time he finishes.

Daniel Craig’s time as the iconic character came to an end in the most recent installment of the franchise, No Time To Die, where he was blown to smithereens after saving his partner and child.

Following Craig’s exit, social media went into a frenzy with fan speculation about possible replacements. Elba’s name was one of the most prominent put forward by fans as a replacement, alongside Richard Madden, Tom Hardy, Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson, Tom Hiddleston, James Norton, and Henry Cavill.

Earlier in the year, Broccoli admitted in an interview that Elba was one of the actors they were looking at as Craig’s replacement. She said, "Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor. And, you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat. I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else."

If chosen, Elba would be the first non-Caucasian actor to play the role. Although, with his recent comment, it would seem the Beast actor has no interest in the role. However, these comments do not mean that fans should totally discard the idea of Elba in the role. For all we know, both sides’ comments are an attempt to throw the public off and they are currently engaged in negotiations. Even if Elba’s comments are sincere and fans don’t get to him in the role, the pool of potential replacements certainly means the franchise will remain in good hands.