The Huffington Post

Idris Elba Weighs In On Possibility Of A Black Actor Playing James Bond

Sir Idris Elba at the 2024 Baftas Sir Idris Elba has shared his take on the future of the James Bond franchise. The newly-knighted British actor has now been part of the public conversation around the 007 film series for more than a decade. It was first reported that he was in contention to become the first Black actor to portray Bond in 2014, when leaked emails from Sony executives indicated that he was a favourite for the role. Former 007 boss Barbara Broccoli later admitted that the Luther star had previously been “part of the conversation” about who the role should go to next. With Sir Idris having previously taken himself out of the running due to his age , he insisted to British GQ during a new interview that the speculation was “never legit” and was “always just a rumour”. “I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he told the magazine for its Heroes Issue. “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.” Sir Idris Elba as seen in British GQ's Heroes issue Sir Idris added that he doesn’t think changes to the character are needed, claiming: “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. 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.” Last month, producers announced that the “search for the next James Bond” was officially underway , with Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson among the rumoured favourites for the part . Other names believed to be in the frame include West End star Tom Francis, The Morning Show’s Aaron Pierre and Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page . The Heroes Issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands on Tuesday 9 June. Sir Idris Elba covers British GQ's Heroes Issue MORE JAMES BOND: Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner And 19 More Actors Rumoured To Be The Next James Bond Former James Bond Star Rosamund Pike Reacts To Co-Star Jacob Elordi 007 Rumours James Bond Bosses Explain The Hold-Up In Casting The Next 007