Idris Elba put off being next James Bond after ‘disgusting racist backlash’

Over the last 60 years of James Bond, Ian Fleming’s spy has been played officially by six actors who have all been white men.

After Daniel Craig bowed out of the role in No Time To Die two years ago, some fans have been calling for an actor of colour to play the next 007, reflecting a modern Britain.

One star who is often near the top of the bookies’ odds is Idris Elba, despite probably now being a bit too old to start in the role at 50.

Nevertheless, having initially been flattered by all the next Bond attention – he currently has odds of 16-1 – the Luther star has been put off the role after receiving racist backlash to the idea of him being the first Black Bond.

The actor appeared on the SmartLess podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett where he made some candid remarks.

Elba said: “The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this. James Bond… It’s one of those coveted [roles]. Being asked to be James Bond was like ‘OK, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle’. That’s one of those things the whole world has a vote in.

“Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered.

“Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it.”

Express.co.uk recently spoke with Casino Royale director Martin Campbell who was involved in choosing the last two Bond actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Interestingly he thinks that while a Black actor could play 007, he doesn’t believe it will ever happen.

Campbell told us: “Honestly, it’s not going to happen. None of [those suggestions will] because that’s the way the books are set up, that’s the way Fleming wrote them.

“And of course, there’s all this everyone screaming diversity, ‘Time to have a Black Bond’, ‘What about a female Bond?’ The answer would be no. I don’t think it’ll happen for a second. I think what will happen is Bond, he’s always been white, he’s always been the man that Fleming created, right? And I think that’s the way they’ll keep it.”

He also clarified: “I absolutely agree that a Black actor or a woman could certainly play Bond, but my feeling is that they will want to keep the brand as is.”