‘Luther’ star Idris Elba talks ‘Pacific Rim,’ ‘canceling the apocalypse’ and playing James Bond
Idris Elba spoke to Digital Spy about his new movie Pacific Rim and the persistent rumors linking him to the role of James Bond.
The British actor, who plays Stacker Pentecost in the Guillermo del Toro-directed science fiction film, admitted that he knew his “canceling the apocalypse” line would become one of film’s more memorable moments.
“I remember reading it and thinking, ‘Wow, that has to be delivered!’ It felt like a lot of pressure on that line,” he said. “Thomas Tull, who’s the president of [production company] Legendary, said, ‘That is my favorite line, I can’t wait for you to say that’. I did know it was in the trailer straight away. I knew it would be there because it’s the one tagline for the film.”
Elba has been vocal about seeking the lead role in the 007 franchise, “It’s not something that I actually hope to come to fruition. It would be lovely if it did, but it’s a rumor.”
The Bond franchise is a personal favorite so he explained.
“It’s actually like the will of a nation type-thing. I’m not a champion of myself to be James Bond, but there are so many people who say, ‘Hey, you’d be a great one. We’d love to see that’. That’s a great feeling for me. That’s such a national treasure for us in England, we love James Bond. To be considered as one of those actors who could play him is great.”
Pacific Rim opens in theaters on Friday, July 12.
