No to woke, says Sir Idris

No to woke, says Sir Idris

Sir Idris Elba has been at the centre of James Bond speculation about playing James Bond since what feels like forever.

But he claims he was never in the running.

"It was never legit. It was always just a rumour", he said.

"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.

"And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don't go for that. Bond is big all over the world, and some won't go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That's not what they like in their culture. Period".

"Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try to 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".

But judging by No Time To Die, some will claim it's already too late to "not make Bond woke".

Idris Elba says Bond audiences “won't go” for a Black man playing 007

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Joe Emery

Joe is Editor of For Bond Fans Only and a writer by trade. When he's not watching Bond, he can be found listening to The Beatles and worrying about West Ham. You can find him on X @joeemerywrites

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