Idris Elba Sparks James Bond Casting Talk with Wax Figure Photos, Wife Thinks He Looks Great

Daniel Craig wax figure; Idris Elba on Dec. 19, 2025.
Credit:

Idris Elba/TikTok

NEED TO KNOW

• Idris Elba posed with wax figures of previous James Bond actors at Madam Tussauds in London, leading to a viral TikTok video.
• Elba has been a long-rumored contender for the role of James Bond.
• His wife, Sabrina, stated on Good Morning America on December 22 that she “re-fueled the fire” by encouraging him to post the video.

Idris Elba is once again circulating his name in the ongoing speculation surrounding the next James Bond actor, thanks in part to a video posted by his wife, Sabrina. The actor, now 53, ignited interest on TikTok by sharing footage of himself among a group of wax figures representing former Bond actors such as Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, and Sean Connery.

“Wifey made me do it…” Elba wrote in the caption. The video, shared on December 19, has swiftly gained over 6.9 million views.

Sabrina Elba, 36, spoke about the video during her appearance on Good Morning America on December 22 while promoting their skincare brand, S’ABLE Labs. “I have re-fueled the fire, haven’t I?” she remarked when the panel discussed the buzz surrounding the video. “But look how good he looks in that lineup!”

Idris Elba and Sabrina Elba on Sept. 2, 2025.

Victor Boyko/Getty

When asked by GMA host Lara Spencer why Bond producers have not made a decision regarding Elba as the next 007, Sabrina responded, “I agree!”

Elba’s presence among the Bond wax figures correlates with the announcement that he has been immortalized with a wax figure of his own at Madame Tussauds in London, revealed on December 19. The actor has long been speculated as a potential successor to Daniel Craig following the release of No Time to Die in 2021. However, in a 2023 interview, Elba expressed discomfort about the ongoing speculation, stating that conversations around his possible casting became problematic when they began to focus on race. “It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it,” he said.

As production progresses, Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Dune director Denis Villeneuve will helm the 26th film in the Bond series, although a release date has not yet been set. A report in September indicated that Villeneuve would commence casting for the lead role once he finishes work on Dune: Part Three. Sources suggest that the producers are seeking a “fresh face” for the iconic role.