The passage discusses actor Idris Elba’s reluctance to play James Bond due to the “disgusting” racism he experienced when rumors circulated about him taking on the role. Elba, a British actor, has often been considered a potential frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as the iconic secret agent.
Elba revealed that discussions about the next James Bond actor have been tainted by racist reactions from some who believe he shouldn’t play Bond because he is black. He referred to an incident in 2015 when author Anthony Horowitz caused outrage by stating that Elba was “too street” to play Bond. Horowitz later apologized for his comments.
During an interview on the SmartLess podcast, Elba expressed how the ordeal had put him off the idea of becoming Bond. He mentioned that he had received numerous compliments about the possibility of playing Bond, which he considered a coveted role. However, the negative reactions based on his race turned the whole situation into something “disgusting and off-putting.”
Despite the support from many fans who believe Elba would make a great Bond, he remains hesitant about taking on the role. In a survey conducted by Showcase Cinemas, Elba was voted the UK’s top choice to replace Craig. However, Elba has previously distanced himself from the role, stating that it’s not a career goal and that it depends on the will of the nation.
Daniel Craig recently concluded his portrayal of James Bond with the release of “No Time to Die” in 2021.