Idris Elba, in a recent episode of the Smartless podcast, shared why he has lost interest in portraying the iconic character of James Bond.
Elba expressed gratitude for the worldwide support he received for the idea of him being considered for the role of James Bond, except for a few dissenting opinions that turned the discussion into a racially charged debate. Elba admitted that these negative reactions took away the excitement and made him disenchanted with the notion of playing Bond.
While Elba had long been favored to play James Bond, he recently responded with a firm “no” when asked about the possibility. He explained that being recognized and considered for the role was an amazing compliment, but the backlash and racism surrounding the discussion were discouraging.
James Bond producer, Barbara Broccoli, had previously commented that she believes it is time for a non-white actor to portray Bond. However, it is precisely these discussions about race that have dampened Elba’s enthusiasm for taking on the role.
In an interview with Esquire, Elba emphasized the obsession with race that can hinder people’s aspirations and growth. He shared his belief that while racism should be discussed, its power is determined by how much attention we give it. Elba also revealed his decision to stop identifying as a “Black actor” as he felt it confined him to a specific category.
As Bond producers reportedly search for a younger actor to take on the role, Elba contemplates the potential for his BBC series, Luther, to become its own Bond-style franchise. He hopes to achieve a similar scale and reverence with Luther and envisions someone else stepping in as the character John when he eventually ages out.
If you’re interested in Bond, you can discover how to watch all the James Bond movies in order and learn about Henry Cavill’s close call with the role of 007.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
