Idris Elba was born to be James Bond. Here's proof

After years of rumors and fan theories, more concrete reports are surfacing suggesting that Idris Elba could be the next British actor to take on the iconic role of James Bond.

Daniel Craig will take one last turn as the most famous spy in the world in a 2019 film currently titled Bond 25 - but after Craig hangs up the tux, Elba could be next to don it. Elba has repeatedly denied that he would play Bond, but if the opportunity arises, why would he turn it down?

Fans of the franchise can rest easy knowing the mantle will be passed to a worthy successor. Elba has already proven that he's born for the role, time and again. Here are 5 times Elba has demonstrated there's 007 already coursing through his veins.

He Can Drive

Idris Elba was born to be James Bond. Here's proof

You might have missed it between his movies and acclaimed TV shows, but Elba is a decent driver. He broke the UK land speed record with a 180.361 mph drive in a Bentley Continental GT Speed in 2015 for his Discovery Channel miniseries Idris Elba: No Limits. And he had a series on BBC America entitled King of Speed which saw him trying to master just about anything with a motor and wheels. Elba would do just fine wheeling an Aston around.

He Can Tap Into a Dark Side

Whether or not Ian Fleming intended it, when James Bond is portrayed on the big screen, he's got plenty of angst, brooding and some inner demons he's wrestling with. Sure, there's a splash of panache here and there and and some dry wit to round out the character, but there's a lot of darkness that can surround the world's most known spy. Elba's nailed that ethos before, starting with The Wire, where he took inspiration for his role of a drug dealer from his actual time spent dealing drugs. Later with Luther, Elba brilliantly plays a tormented anti-hero of a British cop, struggling to survive the doldrums of daily life. He can bring the hint of darkness to Bond's eyes, no problem.

He Can Fight

Idris Elba was born to be James Bond. Here's proof

Some people pick up hobbies like cooking or jogging after 40. Idris Elba became a pro kickboxer. He documented the journey in another Discovery series, Idris Elba: Fighter, proving that any potential Bond villain henchmen will have real reason to fear him as 007.

He Looks Great in a Tux

If this photo from an award show in 2016 is any indicator, Elba was born to wear a tux. Hell, it looks so flawless on him, perhaps he was born wearing a tux.

He's Got a Go-To Drink

It's not a martini, mind you, but Elba's been the face of a British vitamin drink named Purdeys. Maybe they can serve it up, shaken, not stirred.