Idris Elba and James Bond
Idris Elba has been associated with James Bond as a fan casting for fifteen years now. Elba has always shown his appreciation to people who support the idea of becoming 007, but has also been dismissive of the idea. The rumors and speculation has been around for so long that it’s even become a joke, which was even addressed when Elba hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live.
Elba also addressed the issue on the Smartless podcast, saying, “I was like, ‘This is crazy!’ James Bond…We’re all actors and we understand that role. It’s one of those coveted [roles]. Being asked to be James Bond was like, ‘Ok, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle’. That’s one of those things the whole world has a vote in.” He would also address the controversy behind his race being a big factor in the detractors to the idea, “Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered. Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it.“
Elba gets frank on the rumors
GQ recently spoke with Elba as he promotes the new Masters of the Universe. The James Bond situation was inevitably brought up and it was explained that the rumor sparked with the inauguration of Barack Obama into the U.S. Presidency and the notion that the world might be ready for a black actor stepping into the shoes of James Bond. Elba insisted that it was just a rumor that fans ran with. He expounded,
It was never legit. It was always just a rumor. 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. 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.”
He continues to say that there’s no necessity to change James Bond.
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.”
Masters of the Universe casting
He would, then, talk about the irony of playing Man-At-Arms in the new Masters of the Universe when his toy, his cartoon character and his former actor in the 80s Masters of the Universe was a ginger caucasian. Elba explains that by saying, “Talk about recasting. I was a bit conscious about it. But then I was like, What are you talking about?! Man-At-Arms could be any color! He’s got green legs, for God’s sake!”
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