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Idris Elba doesn’t want to play James Bond because... racism

Idris Elba doesn’t want to play James Bond because... racism

The actor gets upset when people say he can’t play Bond because of his race, which is why now he doesn’t want the role.
Updated 28 Jun, 2019

Even though Idris Elba isn’t trying to become the next James Bond, he’s disheartened that some people don’t think he should be considered for the spy role because he’s black.

The British actor says in the August issue of Vanity Fair, “James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character, that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me ‘Do you want to play James Bond?,’ I’d be like, Yeah! That’s fascinating to me. But it’s not something I’ve expressed, like, Yeah, I wanna be the black James Bond.”

And he confirmed that he will not be playing Bond, nor does he like talking about it.

Because he gets ‘disheartened’ when he hears people say, ”‘It can’t be.’ And it really turns out to be the color of my skin.”

Some have speculated that the “Luther” star would make the perfect Bond. Elba says although Bond is a coveted, beloved character that he would be fascinated to play, he doesn’t need to put himself in the position of questioning whether a stint as Bond did or didn’t work “because of the color of my skin.”

Elba stars in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” due in theaters in August.

Comments

Sameer Jun 28, 2019 10:25am
He would've been one fine agent.
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Beena Jun 28, 2019 10:43am
What a sad reality of this world, the way we talk about skin color it can dishearten and hurt the other person's feelings . By doing so we completely disregard the fact that how great that person may be or how talented he/she could be. This superiority feeling is nothing less than the sickness of the mind which needs to be treated.
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Aamir Jun 28, 2019 11:05am
I’m a fan of Idris. He is an excellent actor and I think the best choice for 007. He must take up the role for all his fans who love him.
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Baig Jun 28, 2019 11:31am
He is classy as hell.. would make one great Bond. Although I don't think we can call it racism if he isn't chosen due to his appearance. The film makers have been known to be choosy with regards to looks and appearances of the character. A lot of white actors in the past have been rejected because they didn't fit the bill.
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Laila Jun 28, 2019 03:26pm
He would have made a brilliant agent 007. People need to stop fussing over pigmentation and skin. Otherwise you ant have real diversity. He is a good actor and has the charisma to pull it off too.
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SHAHRUKH NIAZ Jun 28, 2019 03:31pm
Very sad indeed that Idris Elba should be denied the role of 007! Had Ian Flemming's been alive he would certainly have chosen this great actor to play James Bond. Idris Elba was also approached in the past to play Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonapart and Jesus Christ but was finally dropped each time because of racism. Now there is an attempt to make him play the leading role in a remake of Lawrence of Arabia. Let's hope it works out this time! It'll be wonderful! S. NIAZ
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Sri1 Jun 29, 2019 10:37pm
@Baig " A lot of white actors in the past have been rejected because they didn't fit the bill" It's time to be frank rather than politically correct. I find Alba to be classy too in other roles, and just hated Daniel Craig as James Bond just as I was indifferent to Halle Berry. Some people work, some just don't. But again, are we ready to accept oriental, south Asian or other Bonds, however classy? Mostly NOT as Bond has a certain context. Let's leave it at that.
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