Idris Elba says James Bond audiences wouldn’t accept a Black actor playing spy | CNN

British actor Idris Elba, who has long been rumored to be in the running to play James Bond, has said that audiences wouldn’t “go for a Black male, an African male” playing the 007 spy. There’s been years of speculation as to who could take on the Bond role after Daniel Craig’s final run in the 2021 movie “No Time to Die,” with suggestions it should be a non-White or female actor. Speaking about the possibility of a Black actor playing the role, Elba told GQ Magazine: “I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.” “James Bond was written how he was written for a reason,” Elba, 53, said in the interview published Monday. “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 (audiences) won’t (all) go for a Black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.” Hollywood Minute: Idris Elba says he’s not being considered for James Bond Asked about the Bond speculation that has been swirling around Elba for years, he said: “It was never legit. It was always just a rumor.” He also questioned whether the role shou