It’s one of the most debated film roles of our generation: who will take over the mantle of James Bond?
And the question also concerns Hollywood star Tom Hanks.
In his new book, The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, out now, the veteran actor, 66, appears to endorse the idea of Idris Elba, 50, as 007.
Hanks’ fictional movie siren Wren Lane and her co-star Ike Clipper meet and when asked who made the ‘best 007’, Hanks replies, ‘Roger Moore.’ His hair has never been messed up.’
Tom Hanks has endorsed The Wire star Idris Elba as the next James Bond
One of Hanks’ characters in his new book is adamant that Elba should play the franchise icon
Meanwhile, Lane boldly replies, “Idris Elba,” to which Clipper replies, “He’s not James Bond.”
Then she fires back, “That should be him.”
But Hanks went a step further this week, giving Elba his unequivocal endorsement for the title role and to succeed Daniel Craig, who has starred in five installments of the legendary series.
“James Bond has a license to kill.” “I would only give Idris Elba that license based on the work I’ve seen him do,” the author told BBC News.
Along with Elba, Aaron Taylor Johnson and Henry Cavill are top contenders for the role of the world’s most famous fictional spy.
In The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, Hanks tells the story of how a big budget Marvel-like superhero film comes about from conception to theatrical release.
It’s based on his own experience as a Hollywood actor and he even adopted some of the initial behaviors described in the book.
He writes about “crybabies, psychological train wrecks, alcoholics in the car, addicts out of the car… and more than a few talent feuds.”
But Hanks went a step further this week, giving Elba his unequivocal endorsement for the title role, succeeding Daniel Craig (pictured), who has appeared in five Bond episodes
“James Bond has a license to kill.” “I would only give Idris Elba that license based on the work I’ve seen him do,” Hanks said. Elba pictured with his wife Sabrina
“Not everyone is at their best on a film set every day,” Hanks told UK national broadcaster.
“I’ve had rough days trying to be a pro when my life fell apart in more ways than one and the requirement for me that day was to be funny, charming and loving – and that’s the last thing on my mind. “
But Hanks draws a line on being late, calling it a “cardinal sin.”
One of his characters is a selfish star who is consistently late and difficult to work with.
The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece is available now
Other mentions of notorious behavior by actors include microdosing heroin in their trailer during filming, sexual harassment, and heavy drinking.
Hanks also gives a glimpse of what it’s like to be famous, with his fictional director telling a soon-to-be-known name, “The bigger challenge for you will be in a year, when the movie comes out, your life is going to be changed.”
“The attention will feel white-hot and caustic.” Or maybe so much fun you’ll become a crazy person.
“Celebrity is not a natural human condition.” There is no training for it. If you plan a little, you won’t mind. You might get rich if you watch your money.’
The novel also explores the impact of COVID-19 on filming in Hollywood, and a main character is obsessed with typewriters, as is the author himself.
According to the New York Times, Hanks once owned hundreds of these machines.
And as a football fan, there is a brief mention of Aston Villa, the Hollywood veteran’s favorite team.
But this isn’t Hanks’ first exposure to writing.
In 2017 he published a collection of short stories entitled Uncommon Type.
His recent contribution to the literary world has received mixed reviews.
The actor has been accused by The Sunday Times’ Dave Sexton of developing “clunky” prose while “mansplaining” the film industry.
But Hanks seems undeterred by some criticism, insisting his job makes him “stronger when it comes to being really torn apart.”