Nigerian David Oyelowo is next up to play James Bond… after snaring the role in a forthcoming audiobook.
The
star of ‘Selma’, in which he played Martin Luther King Jr, was
personally invited to take on the part by the estate of Ian Fleming, the
creator of 007.
Though it’s a rumour that has oft baffled its subject, it appears he’s now beaten Idris Elba to the accolade.Elba had long been rumoured as a possible replacement once Daniel Craig relinquishes the role of Bond, but had frequently denied any supposed meetings with Bond studio Eon.
“I am officially the only person on planet Earth who can legitimately say: ‘I am the new James Bond’ – even saying that name is the cinematic equivalent of doing the ‘to be or not to be’ speech,” said Oyelowo of his appointment.
“I was asked specifically by the Fleming estate, which is really special.”
Speaking about the previous talk of Elba taking up the role, he said: “A titan on screen, he has all the qualities that you’d want in a James Bond. Because films and TV affect culture, a black Bond would be a cultural event. A statement… beyond just entertainment.”
