Idris Elba says the audience will not accept a black actor playing James Bond: ‘This is not what they like in their culture’ | Video

Idris Elba has denied rumors that he was in contention to play James Bond after Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021.

The 53-year-old actor, who is currently promoting the new Masters of the Universe film, told British GQ that talks linking him to the role “were not official”.

He said: “I have always felt that this is not true. “James Bond was written the way he was written because. But I appreciated it. Also, I think, in real terms, some markets just don’t go for it. Bond is the world’s largest. And (the audience) won’t go (all) to a black man, an African man, playing Bond. This is not what they like in their culture.

Elba also stated that he believes the character should not change too much from Ian Fleming’s original creation. “Bond is impossible, so the real idea is good, but let’s not try to wake up,” he said. “I think you should be pure as it is: on the run. Don’t try to answer what the world likes. Just be Bond.”

Last month, veteran director Nina Gold was brought in to reboot the franchise for Amazon MGM, joining director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Steven Knight.

A source told Variety that Tom Francis, 26, has already rehearsed, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner are all set to appear again.