Idris Elba speaks out on controversial James Bond debate

Idris Elba has broken his silence on widely circulated James Bond casting speculation.

During his latest media interaction, the award winning actor dismissed the long running casting rumours.

Speaking to British GQ, the 53-year-old actor, known for roles in Luther and Masters of the Universe, said the idea of him stepping into the 007 franchise was “never legit.”

He explained that while he understood the public interest, he believed the character has always been shaped within a specific framework.

“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he said. “James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it.”

He further added that global audience expectations also play a role in how the character is perceived.

“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.”

Moreover, he mentioned that he believes the character should remain true to its original tone, stating that Bond is best as simple entertainment and should not be adjusted for new views.

The upcoming Bond film after 2021’s No Time to Die will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Steven Knight.

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