Idris Elba says racist comments put him off playing James Bond

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Idris Elba has explained why he was pushed back from being the next 007.

After Daniel Craig retired from the franchise – playing the role of James Bond for the last time in No Time To Die – rumors continued to swirl around who could succeed him.

Luther’s Idris Elba was a fan favorite and the head of Eon Productions – the UK-based production company that makes the Bond films. Barbara Broccoli even said the 50-year-old was “part of the conversation” over who should replace Craig.

However, whether Elba would even want to take on the role is another matter altogether.

The actor has since opened up about the racist comments he has faced from some people in response to rumors that he will become MI6’s next top agent.

While chatting with fellow cast members Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett on the SmartLess podcast, Elba noted that he was “super complimented” by how excited he was to take over as 007.

He said: “I was like, ‘This is crazy!’ James Bond were all actors and we understand that role, it’s one of those coveted [roles].

“I was asked to be James Bond, it was like, ‘Okay, you’ve kind of reached the top.’ It’s one of those things that the whole world has a vote for.”

However, the idea of ​​him becoming the next Bond has been marred by other comments that have surfaced online.

Idris Elba was a fan favorite to be the next actor to take on the role after Daniel Craig. Credit: Netflix

Elba explained what a ‘huge compliment’ it was to receive support to be the next Bond from ‘every corner of the world’, but the 50-year-old also noted that ‘some corners’ were not so happy.

“Those who weren’t happy with the idea made it gross and off-putting, because it had become

race,” he continued. “It became nonsense and I paid for it.”

People were outraged and disappointed by the racism Elba faced pushing him away from playing 007.

One Twitter user said: “It’s such a shame that it’s basically given a W for racists and an L for fans of a good actor.”

Who do you think will be next to take on the iconic role? Credit: Universal Pictures

This isn’t the first time Elba has shut down rumors that he’s the next Bond.

In an interview with the Guardian earlier this year in March, he said: “I love the Bond franchise, I’m very close with the producers. We all laughed at the rumors because they are just that.”

In a 2022 interview with Men’s Health, the actor also noted that playing the part is ultimately “not a goal” for his career.

While you won’t be seeing Elba as Bond anytime soon, you can catch him playing the role of disgraced detective John Luther in the thriller Luther: The Fallen Sun.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and would like to speak to someone confidentially, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org

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