Idris Elba has officially shut down years of speculation linking him to the role of James Bond, insisting the rumours were 'never legit' and he was never in the running.
Elba dismisses Bond rumours as unrealistic
For more than a decade, the 'Luther' star was regularly tipped to take on the role of 007 after Daniel Craig commented that skin colour 'should not be an issue' when it comes to an actor playing the iconic spy, following Barack Obama's presidential victory in 2008. However, Elba, now 53, has revealed he never viewed the possibility as realistic despite the widespread support he received.
Speaking about the long-running rumours, Elba told British GQ: 'It was never legit. It was always just a rumour. I've always felt that it's not a realistic thing.'
Bond is written for a reason
Elba explained that the character of James Bond was created with a specific image in mind. 'James Bond was written how he was written for a reason,' he said. 'But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don't go for that.'
He added: '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.'
Keep Bond as escapism, not woke
Elba also believes that changing Bond to be more woke is unnecessary. 'Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try and make it woke,' he said. '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.'
The actor stars on the cover of British GQ's Heroes Issue and began the interview with an acting exercise where he pretended to be a fried egg, insisting it helps him loosen up. He also spoke about his 11-year-old son, noting that while his son is handsome and aware of it, he doesn't like to look silly in front of others, a trait Elba attributes to his own upbringing lacking constant compliments.
The Heroes Issue of British GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday, June 9.
