Idris Elba has firmly rejected speculation that he was ever a genuine contender to take over the role of James Bond following Daniel Craig's departure in 2021.
The 53-year-old actor, currently promoting his upcoming film Masters of the Universe, told British GQ that the persistent rumours linking him to the iconic spy were "never legit."
"I've always felt that it's not a realistic thing," Elba said. "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 [audiences] won't [all] go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That's not what they like in their culture. Period."
Elba also expressed his belief that the character should not undergo drastic changes from Ian Fleming's original creation. "Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try and make it woke," he said. "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."
Last month, veteran casting director Nina Gold was brought on board for Amazon MGM's reboot of the franchise, joining director Denis Villeneuve and screenwriter Steven Knight.
A source told Variety that 26-year-old Tom Francis has already auditioned, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, and Callum Turner are also reportedly in the running.
