Tom Hanks is backing Idris Elba as the next James Bond

It’s one of the most talked-about movie roles of our generation: who will take over the mantle from James Bond?

And that 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, seems to endorse the idea of ​​Idris Elba, 50, as 007.

Hanks’ fictional screen siren Wren Lane and her costar, Ike Clipper, get to know each other, and when asked who made the “best 007,” the latter replies, “Roger Moore.” His hair was never tousled.’

One of Hanks’ characters in his new book is adamant that Elba should play the franchise icon

Meanwhile, Lane responds boldly, “Idris Elba,” to which Clipper says, “He’s not James Bond.”

She then fires back, “He should be.”

But Hanks went further this week, giving Elba his resounding endorsement for the titular role, taking over from Daniel Craig, who starred in five installments of the iconic franchise.

James Bond has a license to kill. I would issue that license to Idris Elba based on the work I’ve seen him do,” the author told BBC news.

Along with Elba, Aaron Taylor Johnson and Henry Cavill have been put forward as top contenders to play 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-esque superhero movie is made from conception to when it hits theaters.

It draws from his own experience as a Hollywood actor, and he even employed some of the early behaviors described in the book.

He writes of “crybabies, psychological trainwrecks, alcoholics in the car, addicts outside the car… and more than a few feuds between the Talents.”

But Hanks went further this week and gave Elba his resounding endorsement for the titular role, taking over from Daniel Craig (pictured) who starred in five Bond episodes.

James Bond has a license to kill. I would issue that permit to Idris Elba 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 the British national broadcaster.

“I’ve had some tough days trying to be a professional when my life fell apart in more ways than one and the requirement for me that day is to be funny, charming and loving – and that’s the last way I feel.’

But Hanks draws the line at being late, calling it a “cardinal sin.”

One of his characters is a selfish star who is constantly late and difficult to work with.

The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece is out 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 well-known name-to-be, “The bigger challenge for you will be in a year from now, when the picture comes out, your life will be changed.”

“The attention will feel white-hot and caustic. Or maybe so much fun that you go crazy.

Fame is not a natural human state. There is no training for that. You’ll be fine if you plant a little. You’ll get rich, maybe if you watch your money.’

The novel also addresses the impact COVID-19 had on filming in Hollywood and a main character is obsessed with typewriters just like the author himself.

At one point, he said, Hanks owned hundreds of machines The New York Times.

And as a football fan, Aston Villa, the Hollywood veteran’s favorite team, is briefly mentioned.

But this isn’t the first time Hanks has become a writer.

In 2017, he released a collection of short stories entitled Uncommon Type.

His latest contribution to the literary world received mixed reviews.

The actor has been accused by The Sunday Times’ Dave Sexton of developing “clumsy” prose while “abusing” the film industry.

But Hanks seems unfazed by some of the criticism, insisting his day job makes him “stronger when it comes to getting really torn up.”