Idris Elba says audiences would not accept Black actor as James Bond: 'Let's not make it woke'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actor Idris Elba has revisited the long-running speculation surrounding the possibility of becoming the next James Bond, stating that the role was never considered a realistic prospect despite years of public support.
Speaking to British GQ on Sunday, June 8, while promoting his upcoming film 'Masters of the Universe,' he also addressed the persistent rumors linking him to the iconic role following actor Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise in 2021.
Idris Elba explains why a Black James Bond was never a real possibility
Discussing why he never considered himself a genuine contender for the role, Elba said, “It was never legit. It was a compliment, for sure. But it was never legit.” He explained that he believed the character’s origins and global appeal made such a casting decision unlikely.
“I just don’t think, from where I’m standing, and maybe I’m wrong, but I think that globally, audiences wouldn’t have accepted it,” Elba said, adding, “A Black male, an African male, in that role. They just wouldn’t.”
The actor added that he never expected the franchise to move in that direction because “Ian Fleming wrote James Bond in a certain way. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that.”
He further said, “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try to make it woke. 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.”
His remarks come as Amazon MGM continues work on a new chapter for the franchise. The studio recently brought on veteran casting director Nina Gold, while Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct and Steven Knight is set to write the screenplay.
Idris Elba’s views on Bond speculation evolved over the years
When speculation about Elba potentially becoming the next James Bond first gained momentum in 2015, the actor appeared more receptive to the idea and spoke positively about the widespread support from fans around the world.
"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,'" Elba told Variety at the time.
He added, "If it should happen, that's proof there's connectivity amongst human beings. If everyone wants something, they can make it happen." However, by 2023, the actor revealed that the prolonged discussion surrounding the role had become overshadowed by racial backlash.
Speaking on the 'SmartLess podcast,' he said that although the speculation was flattering, the negative reaction from some people changed how the situation was perceived. "Those that weren't happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race," Elba explained, adding, "It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it."
Addressing the recurring speculation in early 2022, former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli acknowledged his name had been discussed while noting that Craig's continued presence in the role left little room for conversations about a successor.
"We know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor," Broccoli said, adding, "And, you know, it’s been part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat."
