Idris Elba says James Bond audiences wouldn’t accept a Black actor playing spy
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Idris Elba, long rumored as a candidate to play James Bond, stated that audiences worldwide might not accept a Black or African actor in the iconic 007 role due to cultural preferences.
- Elba emphasized that James Bond should remain true to its original escapist nature and cautioned against making the character "woke" or overly realistic.
- He dismissed the rumors about his casting as never being legitimate, describing them as mere speculation rather than serious consideration.
- Amazon MGM Studios, now in control of the Bond franchise, has begun casting for the next film, with Denis Villeneuve announced as director and several actors, including Henry Cavill and Cillian Murphy, rumored as potential successors.
- Elba previously expressed feeling complimented by the Bond speculation but noted that discussions around his casting often centered on race.