Idris Elba: "Audiences don't want a black Bond"

Actor Idris Elba has confirmed that he will not play James Bond, citing concerns that some audiences would not accept a black actor in the role. The award-winning actor, known for films such as “The Suicide Squad” and “Pacific Rim,” as well as series such as “The Wire” and “Luther,” has been linked to the role of the world’s most famous secret agent for years. Speculation has intensified since Daniel Craig stepped down from the role of Bond in 2021.

However, in an interview with British GQ, he explained why he doesn't see himself as the new 007.

"I always felt that wasn't a realistic possibility. James Bond was written the way he was for a reason. Still, I considered it a huge compliment," he said, adding that there were practical reasons why he didn't believe he would be accepted in the role worldwide.

“I think, realistically, some markets just wouldn’t accept that. Bond is huge around the world. And not everyone is going to accept a black man, an African man, as Bond. It’s just not what their culture likes. Period,” the actor says. Speaking about whether the character of Agent 007 should be adapted to modern times, Elba said:

“Bond is so unrealistic that a little bit of reality is welcome, but let's not try to make him 'woke'. I think he should stay true to who he is. He shouldn't try to please the tastes of the whole world. Just let him be Bond.”

The search for the new James Bond officially began last month, when the process of selecting the lead actor for the film directed by Denis Villeneuve began.