Idris Elba Finally Ends Talking About James Bond With Martini Joke In New Movie ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’

It looks like Idris Elba has finally put an end to the endless speculation about his future James Bond relationship in his new film Luther: The Fallen Sun — even turning down the offer of a martini in one scene, which he admits was a nod to savvy fans.

He said the UK Guardian Newspaper this weekend that he is very close to Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, but dismissed the idea that they would ever offer him the role:

“I can’t speak for them, but from my point of view there was never any truth to it. It’s a compliment and an honor, but it’s not the truth.”

Luther: The Fallen Sun Premiering in UK cinemas ahead of its global launch on Netflix on March 10, it appears to be the answer to anyone wondering if Elba needs Bond – it’s a resounding ‘no’, with the arrival of his own very British Down -down-to-earth superhero in a tweed coat, DCI John Luther – there to ruin the collars of his superiors, fight crime his way and ultimately protect the masses.

Elba first played the unconventional London cop in 2010. There are now five series on the BBC, but Elba and Luther’s writer Neil Cross have long made it clear that they want Luther to appear on the big screen. The film is bigger, more ambitious and significantly more expensive than the TV version. Elba says Luther looks like James Bond, Jason Bourne and Ethan Hunt Impossible mission:

“These are lone characters who go berserk and take down the bad guy with conviction, style and grace. But I think there is a kind of grounded relatability about John. This is the area where I think I can take this franchise further and deeper.

In addition to his acting work, Elba has expanded his already numerous secondary activities in recent years. He DJs all over the world, hosts a podcast with his wife Sabrina Dhowre and is a UN Ambassador.

And now he has successfully launched his own theatrical action franchise – meaning speculation about who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond will continue to land on likely names, but ultimately not Idris Elba.