Idris Elba has been rumored to be the next James Bond for years. But in a recent interview, he cleared the air, noting that fans won’t embrace a Black James Bond.
“It was never legit. It was always just a rumor,” Elba told British GQ. “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,” Elba continued. “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.”
Elba also said that Bond should not attempt to be “woke.”
“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try to make it woke,” he added. “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.”
While promoting Masters of the Universe, Elba reentered that he was never up for the role.
My name’s not getting thrown out, no way,” Elba said to PEOPLE. “They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can’t wait — it’s going to be amazing.”
“I’m honestly not in the race ever. I wasn’t in the race in the first place,” he added.
While he was honored by the rumors, Elba was dissuaded when race became the major topic.
admitted he was “super complimented” over the rumors that he could step into Bond’s shoes, but he also said he was put off by the experience when the conversation became about race.
“We’re all actors, and we understand that that role is one of those sort of coveted types. It’s like being named Sexiest Man [Alive],” he siad.
“But being asked to be James Bond was like, ‘Okay, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle,’ ” Elba continued.