Idris Elba shut down rumors of a black James Bond, making it clear that he doesn’t think 007 should be reimagined.
The famous black actor put an abrupt end to ongoing rumors that he might step into the role if the James Bond character was transformed by featuring black actor in an interview with British GQ published June 8. Elba rolled his eyes at the question, according to the outlet.
“It was never legit,” he said, closing the door on the chatter. “It was always just a rumor.”
“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he told GQ.
VENICE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 02: Idris Elba attends “A House Of Dynamite” red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 02, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images)
Elba doubled down on the matter, despite his name being synonymous with the rumors of an altered future Bond.
“James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that.”
He continued, “Bond is big all over the world. 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.”
UNDATED: In this undated handout photo from Eon Productions, actor Daniel Craig poses as James Bond. Craig was unveiled as legendary British secret agent James Bond 007 in the 21st Bond film Casino Royale, at HMS President, St Katharine’s Way on October 14, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Greg Williams/Eon Productions via Getty Images)
The 53-year-old star said there was no reason to overhaul this particular example of pop culture.
“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” he told GQ. (RELATED: Dick Van Dyke Reveals Why He Turned Down James Bond Role)
“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.”
Elba is known to play heroic characters, but made it clear this particular role was not for him.
The next Bond film is set to have Denis Villeneuve as director, Variety reported. Once source said in May that British actor Tom Francis, 26, has already auditioned for the role. Other actors believed to be among the possible considerations include Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner.