Is Idris Elba too street to play James Bond?
Author Anthony Horowitz tends to think so. While Horowitz may be wrong with his assessment, depending on whom you ask, that is, he should hold some sway when it comes to which actors would create the best portrayal of James Bond. Horowitz has written the last James Bond novel entitled “Trigger Mortis.”
Not sure if Anthony Horowitz has spent much time watching Idris Elba movies, but there are several reasons why the British actor would make a perfect Agent 007.
According to the Sun Herald , Horowitz, in an interview with the Daily Mail , stated that Idris Elba was too street to play James Bond.
Maybe it was political correctness, maybe it was demonstrating some respect for Elba’s resume, but the British author had a mea culpa. Horowitz issued an apology and cleared the air.
“Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better. It’s not a color issue… Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.”
Somebody call Denzel Washington, because the role of “007” can go a suave actor.
Seriously speaking, Idris Elba is not too street to play Bond. Actually, he is an ideal candidate to replace Daniel Craig when the time comes.
Being “too street to play James Bond” has its advantages, that is, if Idris Elba is too street in the first place.
In the more recent James Bond installments, our favorite spy has become edgier. There has always been a suave side to “007,” but in today’s cinema, more explosives, bigger guns, and out-of-this-world antics are the new normal. Is it time for James Bond to adapt to the times?
In the crime series Luther , Elba plays a gritty detective. He does not have the means of fancy gadgets, but he does get the job done. And it is done by wit.
Playing James Bond requires a certain type of actor. He has to be able to produce a British accent, he has to be a physical presence, he has to have charm, and he has to be a looker. Elba is said to possess all but one: the charm.
Those who are unfamiliar with Idris Elba’s work must watch the Tyler Perry-directed “Daddy’s Little Girls” and Guy Ritchie’s “Rock ‘N Rolla.” In the former you see a desperate father trying to gain custody of his three daughters. You gain a great sense of empathy for Elba’s character in the film. He is unexpectedly convincing as a dad who will do anything legally possible to get his children.
In “Rock ‘N Rolla,” Idris Elba wins you over as the sensible gangster and and actor Gerald Butler’s parter in crime. Elba displays the right combination of grit and and smoothness, as he is constantly called upon to save Butler’s character from himself.
Both films show Idris Elba’s versatility as an actor and must be factored in while determining his ability to portray the iconic James Bond. Another thing that filmcasters will have to consider is who Idris Elba admitted started his rumored candidacy for the James Bond role. According to People , it was none other than Daniel Craig, the current “Agent 007.” Elba also protests that it is a dead issue.
“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.”
Elba also took to Instagram for his response to Horowitz .
Not so fast, Mr.Elba! Thanks to Anthony Horowitz, everyone is back to talking about you being in the running for the part. A part that you, Idris Elba, is perfect for, the part of James Bond.
[Photo by WPA Pool / Getty Images]
