Idris Elba believes “audiences won’t go for a Black male” playing James Bond
Idris Elba has seemed to douse the rumours that he will be the new James Bond, as he claimed “audiences won’t go for a Black male playing Bond.”
The actor has long been in the potential running to play the part of the world’s most famous spy, even before Daniel Craig relinquished the role in 2021’s No Time to Die.
However, in a new interview with GQ, Elba has finally addressed the mass speculation, with an outcome that will perhaps prove disappointing for fans of the Luther actor. He’s not taking the job, and was never going to.
Describing the rumours as “never legit”, Elba said: “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.”
He added: “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 go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
Although Elba had been one of the hottest names in contention, some shadows of doubt were cast regarding his age, as at 53 years old, he would have become one of the oldest Bonds to take on the role, and certainly the oldest by the time he finished his stint, as Roger Moore was 57 when he said goodbye to the franchise in A View to Kill.
Despite this, the actor attempted to make a more politicised point about the franchise as a whole. “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. Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”
Amazon MGM Studios, which has now taken ownership of the franchise, officially announced last month that the casting process was finally underway for the next film.
Actors seemingly in the mix for the coveted role so far include the likes of Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner, and British theatre star Tom Francis.
Despite very little currently being known about what the future of Bond holds, Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next chapter, while Steven Knight is writing the script.
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