There is still an ongoing debate regarding whether British actor Idris Elba should be up for consideration as the next James Bond; with the latest issue surrounding the situation coming on the heels of Bond author Anthony Horowitz’s declaration that Elba was “too street” to play the famed secret agent.
Horowitz’s comment immediately drew criticism for what many saw as coded language meant to imply that a Black man such as Elba shouldn’t be Bond. Horowitz subsequently apologized.
“I’m really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offense. That wasn’t my intention,” Horowitz tweeted. “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 [on the acclaimed BBC drama Luther] was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offense.”
Elba has expressed that he’s ambivalent towards the entire Bond proposition, but he tweeted a semi-response to Horowitz’s statement.
“Always keep smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!! #septemberstillloveyou.” Elba tweeted.
In the wake of all of the controversy, a new Bond film is on the horizon. Spectre hits theaters on November 6, and MGM has released a new poster that alludes to the famed Day of the Dead, the Mexican All Saints day that celebrates the spiritual journey of departed loved ones. Spectre is the 24th James Bond film and director Sam Mendes has kept much of the plot under wraps. But it is known that much of the story will take place in Mexico City.
