Idris Elba might seem the perfect choice to play suave superspy James Bond, but the actor has reservations that the success of the film may be overshadowed by the colour of his skin.
Speaking to Vanity Fair about the rumours that he could be the first black actor to take on the role, he revealed why he would feel the pressure if he were to be cast.
Idris explained: James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character, that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey.
Of course, if someone said to me, “Do you want to play James Bond?” Id be like, “Yeah!” Thats fascinating to me.
But its not something Ive expressed, like, “Yeah, I wanna be the black James Bond”. You just get disheartened when you get people from a generational point of view going, “It cant be”. And it really turns out to be the colour of my skin, he added.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Then if I get it and it didnt work, or it did work, would it be because of the colour of my skin? Thats a difficult position to put myself into when I dont need to.
Idris has long been rumoured to be in the running to play James Bond, especially as Barbara Broccoli, producer of the franchise, has said that she feels a black actor in the role will happen eventually.
The spy is currently still being portrayed by Daniel Craig, who is currently filming Bond 25 in Jamaica, but has said that he will be stepping down from the role once this movie is completed.
More: Film
Idris, 46, has earned critical acclaim for his title role of DCI John Luther in the crime drama series Luther, so for many he would indeed be the logical choice to move into the character of Bond.
Other names that have been tipped for the role include Bodyguard star Richard Madden, who is the current favourite to replace Daniel Craig, as well as Tom Hiddleston.
Idris has previously teased the possibility of him being Bond by sharing an image of him with Daniel Craig, captioned My names Elba. Idris Elba, which many took to be a hint that he might already be in talks to take over.
Advertisement
Advertisement
