Idris Elba says some audiences would not accept a black James Bond

Idris Elba has denied rumours that he was seriously in the running to play James Bond after Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021. The 53-year-old, who is promoting the new film Masters of the Universe, told British GQ the conversation linking him to the role was “never legit”.

He said he had “always felt that it’s not a realistic thing” and added that “James Bond was written how he was written for a reason.” Elba said he was flattered by the suggestion but argued that some markets “won’t [all] go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond.

That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.” On the character’s direction, he warned against dramatic changes from Ian Fleming’s creation. “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” he said. “I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism.

United Kingdom

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