Idris Elba Won’t Play James Bond, Says ‘Markets’ Won’t Want a ‘Black Male’ Playing Iconic Character

Idris Elba is finally putting rumors to rest that he’ll be stepping into the iconic role of James Bond.

The Masters of the Universe actor, 53, spoke about the longtime fan campaign to get him cast as the next 007 to take over the role after Daniel Craig ended his time as Bond in the 2021 film No Time to Die.

“It was never legit. It was always just a rumour,” he told British GQ in an interview published on Monday, June 8.

“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he added. “James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it.”

Elba went on to explain that, while many British and American audiences have been wanting him to play Bond since 2015, he feels the character might be underserved with a Black lead in other international markets.

“Some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world,” he said. “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.”

Elba also said he feels like audiences going to the theater for a 007 experience are asked to suspend their disbelief more than enough.

“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” he said. “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.”

The actor never claimed that he was in the running to play 007. However, he seemed more open to the idea when speaking to Variety in 2015, around the time the rumors that he’d be next in line began.

However, while speaking on the SmartLess podcast in 2023, he explained that he eventually grew sour to the idea of playing James Bond after the racial backlash that the rumors sparked against him years prior.