Rebel Bridge star Aaron Pierre is reportedly being eyed as the next James Bond — but fans are still asking, what about Idris Elba?

Time of India

5 hours ago

The search for the next James Bond may have come to an end. New rumours suggest Netflix's Rebel Ridge star Aaron Pierre is now being considered for the iconic role. While nothing's official yet, fans are already talking, and many are wondering, why not Idris Elba?
The idea of Elba playing 007 has been floating around for over a decade. The actor has got the charisma, the presence, the voice – basically everything you'd want in a Bond. But despite fans' endless wishlists, the actor has repeatedly said he's not interested. That hasn't stopped the internet from bringing him up every single time new Bond rumours pop up, though.
So why is Aaron Pierre being considered?
Aaron Pierre could be our next James Bond, as per scooper Daniel Richtman. While Pierre has yet to comment on the development, the internet has already begun questioning his eligibility. But if you've seen him in Rebel Ridge on Netflix, you probably get it. He has serious screen presence, and more importantly, he handles action like a pro. That's the Bond starter pack right there. Plus, at 31, Pierre fits the franchise's rumoured push for a younger, long-term lead, and he's British, which still matters for the role.
There's also a sense that Amazon MGM, which now holds the rights, is ready to shake things up a bit. A fresh face like Pierre, who's been on the rise but hasn't become a household name yet, might be the perfect way to relaunch Bond for a new era.
But Idris Elba is still the name on everyone's wishlist
Why not him? 😭 pic.twitter.com/JI70Z0xGDh
Fans have a hard time letting go of Elba, and honestly, who can blame them? The actor, 52, has been seen as the ideal Bond for so long that he feels like the people's 007. Even though in a 2023 interview he said he's not interested in playing the part anymore and producers are reportedly looking for someone younger, the conversation keeps coming back to him.
Who else has been in the Bond rumour mill?
The list of potential Bonds over the last few years has basically become a who's who of British acting talent. Here are a few names that have been floating around:
Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The actor is rumoured to have already screen-tested for the role and, at one point, was said to have been offered it. He's still a strong contender.
Rege-Jean Page: Ever since Bridgerton, fans (and some producers) can't stop picturing him in a tux with a martini. Naomie Harris even said he has 'everything it takes'.
Cillian Murphy: After Oppenheimer, there was a lot of chatter about Murphy stepping into the role, but he has denied the possibility.
Henry Cavill, Theo James, Tom Hardy, Paul Mescal, and James Norton – they've all been linked to the role at one point or another.
So, do we finally have the next Bond?
The truth is, we're probably still a while away from any official announcement. But what's clear is that the Bond team are keeping their options open. Whether it's a seasoned star like Taylor-Johnson, a fan favourite like Page, or a rising force like Aaron Pierre, the next Bond is going to signal a new chapter for the franchise.
And if it's not Idris Elba (again), fans will just have to keep dreaming or maybe start eyeing him for a Bond villain role instead?