Idris Elba Responds To James Bond Author’s Racist Comment
As the Inquisitr reported, the author of James Bond said Idris Elba was “too street” to play James Bond. This sparked outrage across the Internet, as many thought it was racist of the author to say and not at all indicative of Elba’s acting chops.
Now, we have a response from Idris Elba about the whole controversy. Idris took to his Instagram to speak out about the report. He captured the headline, “007 Writer Says Idris Elba Is ‘Too Street’ to Play James Bond, Quickly Apologies,” and then added his own caption to the article by writing, “Always Keep Smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!! #septemberstillloveyou.”
As for author Anthony Horowitz, he quickly backtracked from his original quote. In the interview with Daily Mail, he said, “Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better.”
All in all, no one took this well.
Open tweet to reporters: if an interview subject says something racist about Idris Elba, kill the interview. Stop making Elba answer to it.
— David S. (@David_Shreve2) September 3, 2015
When people say #IdrisElba is “too urban” and not suave to play Bond they’re actually just being racist. pic.twitter.com/Y22XcdH6fi
— – ??Joe ??- (@goulcher) September 2, 2015
I think Idris Elba would make an amazing 007… he’s hot, mysterious, & I can totally hear him saying “Bond, James Bond”…
— JJ (@snowwhitebettie) September 3, 2015
How can the author of #JamesBond say @idriselba is tooooo street to play Bond?? Idris is an amazing actor & would kill that role
— MAX (@ThisIsMax) September 2, 2015
After the controversy, Horowitz apologized with a statement on Twitter, “I’m really sorry my comment about Idris Elba have caused offense. That wasn’t my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I’m a writer not a casting director so what do I know?”
“Clumsily, I chose the word ‘street’ as Elba’s gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind, but I admit it was a poor choice of word[s]. I am mortified to have caused offense.”
As mentioned in an earlier report, Idris Elba told the Hollywood Reporter that James Bond is probably never happening. “Honestly, it’s a rumor that’s really starting to eat itself. If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it’s gone.”
That said, those that are fans of Elba shouldn’t worry. The actor has plenty lined up, including Beasts of No Nation, a Netflix original movie. According to the synopsis, “The movie follows a child soldier who is taken in by a warlord, played by Elba.” The film plans to release on Netflix on October 16.
Other projects that Elba has lined up include A Hundred Streets, Bastille Day, The Jungle Book, Finding Dory, Star Trek Beyond, and The Trap.
[Photo by Getty Images]
