Idris Elba is once again dismissing rumors that he could become the next James Bond. The actor has been hounded by the press about Bond for years, but this time he’s trying to put the speculation to rest by arguing that the character should remain true to how he was originally conceived.
Speaking with British GQ, Elba admitted that speculation about him playing Bond was “never legit.” While he appreciated being considered for the iconic role, he said he never viewed it as a realistic possibility.
Elba argued that Bond was “written how he was written for a reason” and suggested that some international audiences would not embrace “a Black male, an African male, playing Bond.” He added that the character’s global appeal means producers have to consider how different cultures respond to such a casting choice.
The actor also pushed back against efforts to reinvent Bond for modern political tastes. “Let’s not try and make it woke,” Elba said, arguing that the franchise works best as pure escapist entertainment. “Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”
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.
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.
Don’t say that to Tom Hanks and Pierce Brosnan, both of whom have said they believe Elba would be the best choice to succeed Daniel Craig as 007.
In a 2023 interview, Elba said, “I love the Bond franchise, I’m very close to the producers,” and confirmed that he had conversations with Barbara Broccoli and fellow producer Michael G. Wilson. However, he added that “there’s never been any sort of truth” to the rumors that he would become 007.
Still, it seems that Elba has not only made peace with never playing Bond, but is now openly arguing that the franchise should not stray too far from Ian Fleming’s original conception of a white character. In doing so, he’s surprisingly invoked the word “woke.”