Idris Elba has opened up about the rumours that he was in line to play James Bond, following the news that the casting process for the next 007 has officially started.
Elba, who has been rumoured for several years to be taking over the role from Daniel Craig, said that audiences "won't go for a Black male" playing the iconic spy.
The rumours reportedly started at the Italian premiere of Quantum of Solace, which took place a day after US President Barack Obama won the 2008 election.
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Speaking to GQ, Elba said Craig suggested it was time for a Black Bond, and fans ran with the theory, saying: "It was never legit. It was always just a rumour."
He continued: "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.
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"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."
On changing Bond, he added: "Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. 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."
Related: Which James Bond movie is the best? The definitive 007 film ranking - from awful to awesome
Last month, Elba officially ruled himself out of the race, saying he was never officially in the running to become the next Bond.
"My name's not getting thrown out, no way," he told 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."
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Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.
