Idris Elba Says People Would Never Accept A Black Actor Playing James Bond

Idris Elba Says People Would Never Accept A Black Actor Playing James Bond

 

 

 

Idris Elba has put a stop to the rumours that he was in contention to play James Bond after Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021.

 

While promoting his new film, Masters of the Universe, he told British GQ that the rumours linking him to the role were “never legit”.

“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he said.

 

“James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. 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.”

 

Elba went on to say he believed that the character should not evolve too dramatically from Ian Fleming’s original creation.

 

“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try to make it woke,” he said.

 

“I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try to answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”