Idris Elba: James Bond rumors 'were never legit'

Ahead of the release of No Time to Die, speculation about who would replace Daniel Craig often named Idris Elba. In a new interview with British GQ he said those reports were false and that he was flattered: "It was never legit. It was always just a rumor." He added, "I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing ...

James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it." Elba also explained why he did not see a Black actor taking over the role. "And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world.

And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period ... Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism.

United Kingdom

idris elba, james bond, daniel craig, british gq, black actor, bond rumors, bond casting, escapism, woke, global markets