He’s a Hollywood heavyweight with leading-man charm, but actor Idris Elba isn’t interested in taking on the iconic role of James Bond.
As Hollywood rewrites all sorts of existing content with a new “woke” agenda, Elba says studios should resist the urge to do so with the 007 franchise.
Breitbart provided this report:
“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke.” Elba told GQ.
ADVERTISEMENT“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,” he added.
He even admitted that the rumors that he was set to take up the role in 2021 were “not realistic.”
“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 said.
“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 explained.
Amazon MGM Studios now fully control the world of James Bond films and recently announced that the search for the next Bond is well underway, though they have not made any specific comments on some of the candidates.
Elba’s refreshing take fueled some social media praise:
He is correct but he would have been a great bond!
— Rach (@whatevs11) June 8, 2026
He's not wrong. We often watch movies as a form of escape from real-life issues, so they should stick to it being a form of escapism.
— Eniola L. (@Enyphil) June 8, 2026
Dang. I agree with him, but I would love to see him in a spy flick.
— 100&Wonder (@100andWonder) June 8, 2026
Here’s what NBC News reported:
“It was never legit. It was always just a rumor,” said Elba, the star of “The Wire” and “Luther.” “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 said.
“And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world,” he said. “And won’t go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
According to British GQ, the rumor began after the election in 2008, when Barack Obama won, and Craig said it was about time for a Black Bond.
Here’s some additional commentary:
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!