James Bond should not be ‘woke’: Sir Idris Elba on why it was ‘not realistic’ for him to play 007
Sir Idris Elba has spoken out about James Bond rumours saying it was ‘not realistic’ for him to take on the role of 007.
After being rumoured to be the next James Bond, actor Sir Idris Elba has said it would not be ‘realistic’ for him to take on the role and that 007 should not be ‘woke’. The award-winning actor, who has starred in TV hits including Luther and The Wire, was said to be in the running for the job for more than a decade but the53-year-old has now set the record straight.
Explaining why he doesn’t believe he would be right for the role, Sir Idris said the character was “written how he was written for a reason” and that not all audiences “will go” for a black Bond because it is “not what they like in their culture”. Speaking to British GQ, Sir Idris said: “It was never legit. It was always just a rumour.
“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing. James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. 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 added that some reality checks are needed for the franchise but changing Bond is not something he thinks is necessary.
“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,” he said. “Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”
The beloved spy was previously portrayed by English actor Daniel Craig, who took on the role in 2006’s Casino Royale and starred in five films until he left the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding who will play the next 007 with some raising concerns that he would not be British after Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise.
It was announced in August last year that the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Casting for the next Bond reportedly began last month with a number of stars rumoured to be up for the role including Masters of the Air actor Callum Turner, Wuthering Heights star Jacob Elordi and Baby Girl actor Harris Dickinson.