A$AP Rocky is making waves in both the music and film industries, expressing a desire to take on one of Hollywood's most iconic roles: James Bond. In a recent interview with Variety, the rapper-turned-actor revealed his aspirations to be the new Black James Bond, stating, "I think I need to be the new Black James Bond. Like, why not? If we hit the gym, I’ma be aight. Right now I’m in dad mode; you’re gonna have to give me a couple months." This bold ambition comes after the release of the trailer for his upcoming film, Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee, where he stars alongside Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright.
Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been busy preparing for his role in Highest 2 Lowest, which is set to hit theaters on August 22, 2025, before streaming on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025. He described the experience of working on the film as a welcome distraction during a difficult legal battle, where he faced charges related to a 2021 shooting incident. "That’s my only escape," he shared, emphasizing how acting allows him to channel his experiences into his character, Yung Felon, who also grapples with legal issues.
In the same interview, Rocky reminisced about his past audition for the role of Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. He candidly admitted, "I auditioned for Star Wars — for Lando — and my audition was trash. I was trash that day." Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged that Donald Glover, who ultimately landed the role, was a better fit. "My man Childish Gambino was a way better Lando than I would’ve provided at that time. And I think he looked a little more like [Billy Dee Williams] than me," Rocky remarked. However, he remains hopeful about future opportunities in the franchise, stating, "Hell yeah," when asked if he would audition again.
Rocky's ambition doesn't stop with action films. He expressed a desire to create family-friendly content, saying, "I want to do something for my children. Everybody’s doing Despicable Me and SpongeBob and shit like that. I want to do an original DreamWorks/Pixar-ass film, like Soul." He also mentioned his appreciation for children's programming, noting, "I like the internet stuff too, like Gracie’s Corner. I hate Cocomelon. Cocomelon is bad for the kids, man, but Gracie’s is hittin’." This reflects his commitment to producing meaningful content for future generations.
In addition to his film aspirations, A$AP Rocky recently announced plans for a feature film co-starring his partner, Rihanna. In his conversation with Variety, he revealed that he will "more than likely" direct the film, which is still in the conceptual stages. He emphasized the importance of their collaboration, referencing Rihanna's previous acting roles in his music videos, including the 2022 release D.M.B. and the 2013 video Fashion Killa.
Rihanna, who recently confirmed that she and Rocky are expecting their third child during the Met Gala, showcased her baby bump in a stunning Marc Jacobs ensemble. Rocky, who co-chaired the event, wore a custom suit designed by his creative agency, AWGE, paired with a black parka and a diamond-crested umbrella. Their growing family adds a personal touch to their creative endeavors, with both parents eager to create a legacy for their children.
Reflecting on his journey, Rocky expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recent trial, where he was found not guilty of assault charges. He recalled the emotional moment when he was acquitted, stating, "I was so thankful that the jury made that decision. I was really thankful for how the judge was respectful and treated me like a first-class citizen. And I was thankful for my team and my lawyer, my family and my mom for being there with me the whole time." He also attributed his strength to his faith, saying, "All praises and credit has to go to God. I’m a firm believer in prayer, and I was praying the whole time he was reading off the verdict. And my prayers were answered."
As he looks to the future, A$AP Rocky is not only focused on his acting career but also on releasing his long-awaited fourth album, titled Don’t Be Dumb. He is excited about the upcoming projects and the opportunity to explore different genres in his work. "Cinema is just a portal to an imagination, depicted by somebody else," he said, highlighting the importance of storytelling in both film and music.
With his upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest poised to make waves in theaters, and his aspirations to redefine roles in Hollywood, A$AP Rocky is proving that he is more than just a rapper. He is carving out a space for himself in the film industry, ready to take on challenges and create art that resonates with audiences. Whether it's playing a legendary character like James Bond or collaborating with Rihanna on a new project, Rocky is ready to embrace the future with open arms.
