Sir Steve McQueen, the acclaimed director of “12 Years a Slave,” is reportedly being considered for a new role related to the James Bond franchise. According to The Sun, 007 producers are showing interest in McQueen due to his outstanding reputation in the film industry.
They hope he will bring his production expertise to any future Bond projects. A source told the production: “Steve is one of the UK’s best filmmakers and has an incredible vision.”
“The word is that the Bond producers wanted to see if Steve would ever consider having a hand in one of the films and they got a positive response.”
“It would be incredible if it came off.”
Casting for the next James Bond, following Daniel Craig’s departure, has resumed, though the role remains unfilled. The process has stirred considerable controversy among celebrities.
Idris Elba, frequently rumored as a potential 007, has confirmed that he will not be taking on the iconic spy role.
The 51-year-old “Luther” actor announced earlier this year that he will not be stepping into Craig’s shoes and will not be obtaining a license to kill, as reported by Daily Mail.
He admitted that he feels “ancient” and no longer sees the opportunity to play James Bond as viable, despite being flattered by the consideration back in 2009.
Speaking to Chris Moyles on his Radio X morning show in April, Idris joked that the ongoing rumors have made him “more famous for not playing Bond” than some actors who have actually portrayed the iconic spy.
Chris quipped: “There were loads of rumors flying around a few years ago about you and a certain infamous role of a British agent, right? James Bond. Right? Was that ever a thing? Was that ever close to being a thing? Did you ever want it? There were rumors, but I don’t know if you ever spoke out about it one way or the other.”
Idris replied: “I have several times, several sort of half-a-million times. No, it was definitely one of the biggest rumors.
“I’m arguably more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did!
“And you know, it’s been one that I’ve taken lightly at times. You know, everyone loves Bond. Such a fantastic character, and just to me, I found it as a compliment to be considered all those years ago.”
