Idris Elba 'too street' for James Bond; author's remarks spark outrage online
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With rumors of Daniel Craig no longer reprising the role of the iconic James Bond, writer and author of the books, Anthony Horowitz, comments on what's next for the character, particularly who the next actor to play him will be. Unfortunately, it looks like the author has said more than what was necessary because now, people are outraged by his comments.
Screen Rant reports that based on the Esquire interview, Craig is uncertain if he wishes to return as the 007 agent. Although his contract states that he has one more Bond movie, the actor states that he has a life and is not really seeing himself playing the role again. With this statement, long-time fans of the film are now thinking about the rumors that Idris Elba may be playing the highly-coveted role. The actor has even candidly entertained it by tweeting, "Isn't 007 supposed to (be) handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot!" late last year.
Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people. pic.twitter.com/3g9lAl2Uo3
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) December 27, 2014
However, CBS Local News Las Vegas writes that Horowitz is not in favor of Elba. In an interview, he revealed that although Elba is a terrific actor, he is too rough and too street to play the suave British Secret Service agent. He believes actor Adrian Lester from the movie "Hustle" will be a better choice. Although Horowitz has cleared that it is not a matter of color, many fans find his remarks to be somewhat veiled racist and have vented their feelings on Twitter.
Idris Elba once set a Land Speed Record driving a Bentley Continental GT Speed. Maybe the question should be: can James Bond play Idris Elba — Eliza Bayne (@ElizaBayne) September 1, 2015
This Idris Elba story taught me that someone WRITES the James Bond novels. I thought they were transcribed from the dreams of TSA agents.
— Josh Gondelman (@joshgondelman) September 1, 2015
007 author calls Idris Elba "too street" to play a character that's spent several decades murdering strangers. — Martin Morrow (@martinMmorrow) September 1, 2015
Idris Elba is too smart to play James Bond, a character who punches computers when he doesn't understand how they work.
— Dan Wilbur (@DanWilbur) September 1, 2015
Is "street" the UK's version of "urban" in terms of coded racism? Idris Elba is a lot of things, but "street" ain't one of 'em. — Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) September 1, 2015
BBC Magazine writes that Horowitz is mortified about how his remarks have offended people and admits to making a poor choice of word when he used the word "street". According to him, he used the word because he has seen Elba's performance as DCI John Luther. He also shares that simply expressed his opinion as a writer, not as a casting director.
I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence [full statement attached] pic.twitter.com/UD6ouA45Uv
— Anthony Horowitz (@AnthonyHorowitz) September 1, 2015
