A leaked email correspondence between the heads of Sony Entertainment and Columbia Pictures revealed that actor Idris Elba is being eyed to take over the role of James Bond, Gawker reported.
The conversation was reportedly between Amy Pascal, the head of Sony Entertainment film division, and Elizabeth Cantillon, the former executive vice-president of production for Columbia Pictures. Columbia is the distributor for the Bond franchise and in their emails and according to the report, Elba was mentioned briefly.
"Idris should be the next bond," Pascal allegedly wrote to Cantillon back in Jan. 4.
Sony hack saga continues
The leaked email is one among many private emails that were revealed to the public when Sony was hacked. It led to a string of scandals that resulted in the recent cancelation of the release of "The Interview" on Christmas Day, according to Daily Mail.
Production on the upcoming Bond film "Spectre" is already underway with Daniel Craig leading the film as the most recent incarnation of the super spy, Dail Mail reported. Craig was spotted filming last week on the London's River Thames,and in an apartment in Notting Hill in west London.
However, following the leaked Sony emails, even "Spectre" was reportedly affected as the film's original script was also revealed. It was found out that the film had a budget of over $300 million. Due to the incident, producers and writers were forced to rewrite the plot and change the ending, according to Daily Mail.
As of now, "Spectre" is expected to hit theaters on Nov. 6, 2015, according to Gawker, and there hasn't been announcements made on whether or not the rewrites will affect the release.
"Spectre" will see Craig's return accompanied by returning cast members Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris. They will be joined by Monica Bellucci, Christoph Waltz and Lea Seydoux.
Craig wants out?
The Guardian cited Craig's interview with Rolling Stones two years ago, which revealed that Craig wanted "Skyfall" to be his last film in the franchise.
"I've been trying to get out of this from the very moment I got into it," the actor admitted. "They won't let me go." He even added that, "I've got a contract that somebody will happily wipe their ass*s with."
Elba, on the other hand, has expressed his intention to become the next James Bond.
During an interview with Huffington Post, the British actor said people have been telling him they liked the idea of him taking up the role of Bond.
"If it was to ever happen and if I was ever to get offered that role, that would be the will of a nation," he said.
Elba also mentioned about the role on Reddit. He said, "If it was offered to me, absolutely."
