For a long time now, people have been calling on the powers that be to make Idris Elba the next James Bond, but this hasn’t been without controversy, in a recent article with the Daily Mail, Anthony Horowitz (the latest 007 author) stated that Elba was “too street” for the role. “Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better. For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part”.
However he later apologised for his comments via Twitter, tweeting “I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I’m a writer not a casting director so what do I know?”. Idris ever the gentleman responded by posting on his Instagram “Always keep smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!! #septemberstillloveyou“.
In a sit down with Variety, whilst discussing new film Beasts of No Nation before the “too street” comment arose, when the topic of Bond came up, Elba said that if he were ever cast as James Bond, that he’d have his fans to thank. “If human beings want to know if there’s any connectivity between all of us, the one thing I’ve heard around the world universally is that, ‘You’ll be great at James Bond!’, if it should happen, that’s proof there’s connectivity amongst human beings. If everyone wants something, they can make it happen. That would be true“.
He also went on to say that he hasn’t even been approached about the role, stating that “It’s all rumor-ville”, Elba said. “I’m not speaking to the James Bond people. They are not speaking to me. So if it was to happen, there you go — the will of the nation“. When asked if he would take the role if approached, the Luther star said “It’s an amazing opportunity. But who knows, man. I’ve stopped speaking about it now. Even speaking to you now, I shouldn’t have answered that question”.
Well I for one am totally in support of an Idris Elba Bond, I say Daniel Craig needs to put down the Martini glass and pass it on, let someone else take the reigns.
Peace.Love.IdrisElbaForBond
