Idris Elba on JAMES BOND Rumors: 'No Truth In It Whatsoever'

In an interview with ITV's Lorraine this week, actor Idris Elba denied rumors that he will be replacing Daniel Craig in the next installment of the JAMES BOND franchise.

"... it's a rumor that's gotten out of control, basically - but that's all it is." affirmed the actor. "There's no truth in it whatsoever."

In additon, Elba revealed that he doesn't understand why the focus of the Bond casting has to be on race. "I've always detested the phrase 'Black Bond', he says. "I just don't understand it. We don't say 'White Bond', we just say 'Bond', so it suddenly becomes a black man and he's a 'Black Bond'. So I hate that phrase.

Elba recently received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, which follows Nelson Mandela's life. The film, shot in South Africa, co-stars Naomie Harris (SKYFALL) as his wife, Winnie as well as Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz and Terry Pheto.