Next James Bond: Idris Elba says he has been put off becoming 007
Idris Elba has revealed that he was discouraged from playing James Bond after being subjected to 'disgusting' racism
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Idris Elba has revealed that he was discouraged from playing James Bond after being subjected to “disgusting” racism.
The British actor said as rumours circulated that he would take up the role, racist reactions emerged from some who claim he can't play Bond because he is black.
In 2015, the author Anthony Horowitz caused outrage after he said the actor was “too street” to be Bond before later issuing an apology.
The Luther star has spoken about the comments and how it was “off-putting” to the idea of replacing Daniel Craig.
The British actor said as rumours circulated that he would take up the role, racist reactions emerged
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“The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this," he told the SmartLess podcast.
“James Bond... 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.
“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.”
His remarks come as some fans continue to call for Elba to become the next 007.
In October, Elba was voted the UK’s number one choice to replace Craig.
The actor ranked above actors such as Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, James Norton and Henry Cavill, in a survey carried out by Showcase Cinemas.
Fans have continued to call for Idris Elba to replace Daniel Craig
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Speaking to The Shop podcast alongside Drew Barrymore, he said: “It will definitely satisfy the will of a nation.
"I’m not gonna lie, every corner of the world I go, and I’m talking about different cultures, they always go ‘Bond,’ and I feel it is beyond me at this junction.
“It’s beyond me. You know, it’s not a question of, should I, do I, will I. It is what the will of the nation dictates sometimes.”