Idris Elba addresses the racist backlash he received when he was rumored to play James Bond: disgusting and off-putting

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By Radhamely De Leon

June 27, 2023 // 5:29 p.m.

Idris Elba has long proven himself as an action movie star. After Luther, he’s become a welcome addition to any movie or series, much like Jason Momoa and Dwayne Johnson over the years. So it made sense when the English actor was reportedly positioned to take over the iconic James Bond role from Daniel Craig.

But the actor recently admitted the opportunity turned off-putting when the discussion became dominated by race.

The truth is, I got super complimented on this for a long time,” Elba said during a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast. Were all actors and we understand that role. This is one of the coveted [roles]. I was asked to be James Bond, it was like, Ok, you kind of made it to the top.

Basically, it was a huge compliment that all corners of the world, except for some corners, which we won’t talk about, were really happy that I could be considered, he said. Those who weren’t happy with the idea made it gross and off-putting because it was all about race. It became nonsense and I paid for it.

Picture: John Wilson/Netflix

Although rumors have followed Elba for years, controversy started to pick up steam again after Craig announced he was stepping down from the role following the 2021 installment, No Time To Die.

Elba has flatly denied the rumors several times over the years, including as recently as last March, although producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed he was part of the conversation.

Other candidates for the role are rumored to be Bridgerton star Reg-Jean Page, Tom Hardy and recent frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Instead, the British film star seems set to carve out his own path in action with Luther: The Fallen Sun and Hijack, the latter of which begins streaming tomorrow on Apple TV+.

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