Idris Elba says James Bond shouldn't be "woke": Let's not try it
Idris Elba said that the reports of him playing James Bond were never legitimate. He said the franchise should stay focused on escapism rather than chasing changing tastes.
Actor Idris Elba has said the long-running speculation about him playing James Bond was never legitimate, while also saying the 007 franchise should not try to be "woke". In an interview with British GQ, the 53-year-old said the character should remain rooted in escapism.
Elba emphasised that Bond was not meant to mirror reality too closely and argued against reshaping the character to match changing tastes. He said, "Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. 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."
He also addressed the rumours linking him to the role, saying he had never seen them as a realistic possibility. "I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing. 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," the actor added.
Elba also features as Duncan aka Man-At-Arms in director Travis Knight's Masters of the Universe. Actor Nicholas Galitzine plays the titular role as Adam Glenn aka He-Man in the American action film.
The story follows Prince Adam (Galitzine), who returns to his home planet, Eternia, after 15 years. Summoned by the mystical Sword of Power, Adam discovers that his world is under the control of the ruthless Skeletor, portrayed by Jared Leto.
Masters of the Universe also features Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Johannes Haukur Johannesson and Charlotte Riley in key roles.
The film is available for viewing in Indian theatres in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Actor Idris Elba has said the long-running speculation about him playing James Bond was never legitimate, while also saying the 007 franchise should not try to be "woke". In an interview with British GQ, the 53-year-old said the character should remain rooted in escapism.
Elba emphasised that Bond was not meant to mirror reality too closely and argued against reshaping the character to match changing tastes. He said, "Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. 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."
He also addressed the rumours linking him to the role, saying he had never seen them as a realistic possibility. "I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing. 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," the actor added.
Elba also features as Duncan aka Man-At-Arms in director Travis Knight's Masters of the Universe. Actor Nicholas Galitzine plays the titular role as Adam Glenn aka He-Man in the American action film.
The story follows Prince Adam (Galitzine), who returns to his home planet, Eternia, after 15 years. Summoned by the mystical Sword of Power, Adam discovers that his world is under the control of the ruthless Skeletor, portrayed by Jared Leto.
Masters of the Universe also features Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Johannes Haukur Johannesson and Charlotte Riley in key roles.
The film is available for viewing in Indian theatres in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
