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Idris Elba Has Talked to James Bond Producers About Playing 007
by Ethan Anderton
October 25, 2012
Source: Huffington Post
Now before you get all bent out of shape (though I imagine there will be plenty of other, more disturbing reasons that some fans will be upset about this news), remember that Daniel Craig is still signed for two more James Bond films in addition to Skyfall coming next month. However, the future of James Bond is always on people's minds, especially since it seems Craig has a countdown to when he's done with Her Majesty's Secret Service. So who would put on the tuxedo next? What if I told you British actor Idris Elba had met with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli about making him the first black 007 sometime?
In an interview with Skyfall star Naomie Harris, Huffington Post learned that Elba definitely had a meeting about becoming James Bond. The actress says, "“I didn’t realize that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris [Elba] and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli. It does seem like a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond.” Sadly, there are likely plenty of fans out there who are against casting a black actor as James Bond, simply because he's always been white. But if you consider the name James Bond to simply be a codename at MI6 (a theory that many have discussed), then Elba could step into the role and it doesn't ruin continuity or mythology in the least.
However, some people might not like the idea of a black James Bond at all, and that's just sad. I imagine that most of those fans are the same ones who had an issue with Elba playing Heimdall in Thor, which is silly. And considering the outcry over Donald Glover campaigning for an audition to be The Amazing Spider-Man, I'm betting there will be a ridiculous and unnecessary amount of outrage for all the wrong reasons. Elba is a phenomenal actor and his turns on "Luther," movies like Prometheus and The Losers and even "The Office" make me think that if there is going to be a black James Bond, he is the perfect choice. Here's hoping that this society of ours is open-minded and progressive enough to let something like this happen if the time comes. Would you like Idris Elba as James Bond?
106 Comments
1
where as i love almost everything Idris Elba does *LUTHER SEASON 3 FUCK YEAH!!!, i just don't see him as James Bond in the future...
Jericho on Oct 25, 2012
2
i also noticed no one is paying attention to the plan on how they will play this out, instead they are practically acting out on the title itself...........
Jericho on Oct 25, 2012
3
Can't he be a spinoff like 008 or something lol
A.D on Oct 25, 2012
4
...actually: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh0aEX3eUKc&feature=plcp
Akira Money ♕ on Oct 25, 2012
5
hes not african american.. hes english
Brian on Oct 25, 2012
6
Sure - as long as we can also have a white guy playing "Shaft".
Scott on Oct 25, 2012
7
We can also have a white guy playing "Blade"
Carlos Coca on Oct 25, 2012
8
Actually I kinda like to see a white guy playing Shaft AND Blade . have to change something of the characters' ethos , but it could be played for big laughs or seriousness
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
11
Sorry. Force of habit to be politically correct in the states. Just came naturally. Obviously he's British so not African American.
Ethan Anderton on Oct 25, 2012
13
It makes him British from African LINEAGE , yes .
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
14
See, that's my point, apparently the only black people who refer to themselves as Africa-whatever are the ones here in America, even though they are not African, but American from African Lineage. I don't call myself German-American, just American. I will never understand.
Matthew South on Oct 29, 2012
15
FWIW: I refer to myself as black. I prefer it. However, the news media seems to love the term African American. I doubt political correctness has much to do with it as political correctness is, essentially, treating people the way that they prefer not just according to your inclination (which, up until very recently, included woman having to be okay with men playing grabass whenever the urge struck). By and large the term is something that whites seem to prefer. I don't know many black people who refer to themselves primarily as "African Americans." Perhaps it's the US who has a problems with blacks just being American.
'Kevin Vaughn on Nov 6, 2012
16
Fair point. the friends I have that are black, I call them black, and they call me white, however, there have been several times, when I or someone I was online with were to talking to black people (over a game lobby or something) and referred to them as black, and they responded, angrily, "I'm not Black, expletive, I'm African-American".
Matthew South on Nov 9, 2012
17
I'm totally down for a black James Bond! And although I like Idris Elba as an actor a lot (Stringer Bell anyone?), I think Adrian Lester is much more suited for the role of James Bond and is talented as well.
Leeloo Dallas Multipass on Oct 25, 2012
18
Heck yeah. But I do have to say I was mad to see him cast as Heimdall. I was hoping he could be cast as The Black Panther if Marvel does get to introducing the character to the film universe.
Corey on Oct 25, 2012
19
Damn, got there before me
Guest on Oct 25, 2012
20
Hell yeah! Why not? I think it's for some chocolate! LOL!
The Truth on Oct 25, 2012
21
My biggest objection is that he is a poor actor...
Ron on Oct 25, 2012
22
I sincerely hope you're being sarcastic.
SuicidalOptimist on Oct 25, 2012
23
Stringer Bell would like a word with you in private.
Cody W on Oct 25, 2012
24
Your are right, Prometheus Ghostrider
311 on Oct 25, 2012
25
You are* and the problem with those films were actually everything but Elba, he may not choose the best roles sometimes.
Cody W on Oct 25, 2012
26
Well, Bond is supposed to be the same person throughout the films. A white guy can't just turn black. So if they don't reboot it again, this would be stupid.
Nielsen700 on Oct 25, 2012
27
hey it happened in reverse one time. see Dent, Harvey.
Maverick Pete on Oct 25, 2012
28
And man, Billie Dee Williams was NOT happy, as far as I understand it, the whole reason he signed on was because he thought he was going to get a chance to play Two-Face.
Matthew South on Oct 29, 2012
29
(sigh) OBVIOUSLY , this would be a serious " reboot " but stupidity has nothing to do with it . Craig ain't going anywhere so this could be 10-12 years down the road . Think Bond will still be as popular then ? well Yes but this could put it over the top . Think MONEY not race ... ( they would have to do it before Idris gets too old tho ...
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
30
Well, having the next Bond be Idris Elba without doing it as a reboot would be stupid. That's all I meant... And take your sighs elsewhere, douche.
Nielsen700 on Oct 29, 2012
32
- this would be a serious " reboot " - was replying to someone else who musta got their comment pulled . nielson I'm AGREEING with you that it would take a seriously well-done reboot , to pull this off . Money is the reason not stupidity
Dominic A on Nov 4, 2012
33
I got it...Idris Alba could play Bond through the entire movie, then at the end, he would pull off his mask a la Ethan Hunt and reveal that he is actually Craig, or Fassbender as someone suggested (excellent choice BTW). That would be EPIC!
Matthew South on Oct 29, 2012
34
Idris Elba is great in Luther, but nah I can't imagine him as bond. Ethan, "african american"... really? HA!
Richie G on Oct 25, 2012
35
Could care less if they cast a black james bond. As long as they just make a good movie. Progression is good and if anyone actually would judge the movie because the lead actor is black (similar to them hating daniel craig for blond hair, even though he is the best bond yet) is saaaaaad. Elba i don't see as bond, but I wouldn't mind seeing a black actor in bond. Switch it up, keep the franchise changing.
poo on Oct 25, 2012
36
the shit storm has already begun i see. personally I have no issues with this idea. being he is a great actor and all. and a "white shaft", hahah, theres an idea
bat0u on Oct 25, 2012
37
This is how it could be like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh0aEX3eUKc&feature=plcp
Akira Money ♕ on Oct 25, 2012
38
I'm so in.
G. on Oct 25, 2012
39
Hmmm, I don't think it's bigoted to say that James Bond is an established character with a history, and that a black version of the character would be a pretty radical departure. It'd be like making Holmes gay and Watson a woman...oh wait...
earthlingdave on Oct 25, 2012
40
lol ....a HOT Watson just leads to more and better scripts that can be written . gee a Black bond could do the same .....
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
41
I like Idris Elba. If he was 007 I feel like that fan theory about James Bond actually being a codename that is given to new agents taking the 007 mantel will start popping up everywhere again. But that theory is false since some Bond films do allude to some previous films (License to Kill and For Your Eyes Only both reference OHMSS)
Daniel_Plainview_Milkshake on Oct 25, 2012
42
There is always room for change. If the actor has the ability to pull it off, I would think that's the name of the game. No matter what color he is, if he has the British accent and the loyalty to country, I think we should let the best actors have a chance to prove themselves.
E'MECH on Oct 25, 2012
43
Wait... he's not white?
avconsumer2 on Oct 25, 2012
44
Sure! He can be Double-0 Negro lol. I'm black btw, so everyone relax haha. He's an awesome actor, I would have no problem.
Big R on Oct 25, 2012
45
so, being black means it's ok to make racist statements?......suuuuure it is. S
beevis on Oct 25, 2012
46
Yes. Yes it does. Especially since he is JOKING.
SB on Oct 26, 2012
47
If they want a black spy, make one up. Not play James Bond for the sake of being politically correct for these modern times. I'm not white (yes, that's me in the photo) but my reaction would be the same "No" to even an American who wants to try and play Bond with a faux British accent.
Mithun Divakaran on Oct 25, 2012
49
Have you meet Mr. Hollywood?
mooreworthy on Oct 25, 2012
50
Dude we got plenty of them . You're holding on to the reins a little tight . How about we follow your feeling in reverse , and whites make their OWN music( no copying hiphop or blues !) and their own style of dress ?? Is that ok with you or do you see how wrong your statement is ?
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
51
i am so confused on how you got to being "politically correct" ? Do you even know what that word means because it has nothing to do with a black Bond.
Derrick Syl.James Jr on Oct 26, 2012
52
yes in reality this would be a Money Grab , hoping that even more American blacks and other colored people around the world go to see it . Not like we DON'T go see it now , but you'd have to figure it will be high-grossing .this is all really just a big compliment to Idris that the producers would even take his call about it ....
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
53
you are missing my point, which is weird considering it is only 2 sentences. I said he obviously doesnt know what the phrase politically correct means.
Derrick Syl.James Jr on Nov 5, 2012
54
How about a remake of Roots with Tom Hardy as Kunta Kinte? I dont understand whats the reason for blacks to make almost every movie again. The honeymooners, Wild Wild West, doctor dolittle, Annie, Karate Kid. Get over its was White TV.
Valvg on Oct 25, 2012
55
But srsly... Tom Hardy would make a bad ass Kunta Kinte!!!
avconsumer2 on Oct 25, 2012
56
open racism( and stupidity) are never funny. James Bond's ethnicity, although established, has nothing to do with his character.The same can not be said of someone trying to portray a slave in the US.
Derrick Syl.James Jr on Oct 26, 2012
57
Umm RE-Credit that impulse to " White, Jewish Hollywood Filmmakers " ,, from Britain ! and you'd be correctly apt . The reason why remakes : the younger generation lets themselves get ripped off with these remakes , when the originals are perfectly fine to rent /watch . Has nothing to do with Blacks per se except to get their $10.50 at the ticket counter ..., BTW we watched " White TV " too so if SHOULD want to remake it it's ok ; still fans honoring it ...
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
58
They aren't, its Hollywood, and honestly any one of those movies, or shows could have been originally cast with black actors, and it would have been just fine.
Matthew South on Oct 29, 2012
59
Yeah...I'm black, but that's just ridiculous. James Bond is white...accept it brotha.
Jay Two on Oct 25, 2012
60
I don't like the idea. Not because Bond has always been a white male but mainly because I don't think Idris is good enough to play the part. I say go for Jason Statham.
Sephiroth on Oct 25, 2012
61
They had a white guy play Goku of DBZ and Ang,Katara, Sokka of The Last Airbender... And a Ben Kingsley playing THE MANDARIN!!!!!... I think Idris Elba is a really great actor, but i don't have any comments about this new... However, for all the Walking Dead fans out there, I think Idris Elba would have been an amazing Tyrese on the show... Too bad they didn't write him in.
Roderick on Oct 25, 2012
62
I'd like to see him as Bond, but I think he'll be too old by the time Craig is done with the character.
Daniel Koelsch on Oct 25, 2012
63
Is this for real? I know it's not april or anything but I couldn't stop laughing at the producer's last name, broccoli!
Ege Sönmez on Oct 25, 2012
65
I have read about 13 Flemming novels, I do not recall one mention of Bond as white. I do not see a problem with this. And I am one of those people who jumps all over the Black santas and things of that ilk. Bond is an Englishman Elba is an Englishman. Where is the problem. I would have more issue with say Hugh Jackman An Aussie or Downey JR an American playing Bond than A black Englishman.
Brian Sleider on Oct 25, 2012
66
The funny thing is the aussie thing already happened (Lazenby). and RDJ already has an iconic english figure under his belt. TWO if you count Chaplin.
Duane on Oct 25, 2012
67
And Lazenby is almost universally paned as the WORST bond. I was also a never big fan of Connery. More because he is grand departure for the works of Flemming. They never touch on the depth of Bonds character until the Craig films honestly.
Brian Sleider on Oct 26, 2012
68
You mean British, not English. Bond has Scottish roots, Connery's obviously Scottish and the current fan favourite Fassbender is German/Irish so not British at all.
coffeedoughnuts on Oct 26, 2012
69
it is unfortunate, but it because of legacy and originality...Bond has always been a Caucasian Englishman (live-action) and Spiderman has always been a young, geeky Caucasian male...people are afraid of change and that's just it....
JL on Oct 25, 2012
70
Personally I'd love to see Stringer (Elba) play Bond. Not sure what's up with all these haters. I also think Ultimate Spider-Man (the one with an African-American kid) is the best Spider-Man comic out there. I'm neither white nor black.
Riki on Oct 25, 2012
71
I knew this might happen at some point and its so stupid... and its so hard to write this without someone claiming you are a racist but this is as silly as picking a white guy to play shaft! Brocolli wrote these stories about a man who is very much a traditional white Brit and with that the kind of characteristics that come with the territory. It would loose all credibility and I am sure it would misfire and make less money because its not what we expect from the franchise. By all means cast black actors for other parts but bond! Sorry I'm out if that happens.
dom on Oct 25, 2012
72
" silly " is the key mis-understanding . No producer , director , or scripwriter today feels the NEED to follow a " script " they can envision anything or anybody they want . That's a GOOD thing . as said earlier a white guy playing shaft could work , for laughs . however since Bond is a LOT more serious than Shaft , this would have to be rebooted VERY well to be credible , I'd agree with that
Dominic A on Nov 4, 2012
73
Oh and if Michael fasbender was in the running he stands no chance... fasbender would be perfect.
dom on Oct 25, 2012
74
i've removed my post - after reading thru this thread, it's clear any good discussion of the topic is impossible. elba would make a fantastic bond.
beevis on Oct 25, 2012
75
Would love to see him get a chance and I think this kidn of lends some cred to teh fan theory that "007" and "James Bond", to include the backstory behind the character, are code names and references and not an actual person.
Guest on Oct 25, 2012
76
Would love to see him get a chance and I think this kind of lends some cred to the fan theory that "007" and "James Bond", to include the backstory behind the character, are code names and references and not an actual person.
Ben Bonanza Cartwright on Oct 25, 2012
77
I would definitely be down for Idris Elba being bond. Absolutely loved his performance in Prometheus, and even more so in RocknRolla
Philip J. Fry on Oct 25, 2012
78
Fassbender. that is all.
Mitchel MacLatchie on Oct 25, 2012
79
Indeed; Fassbender is at the moment the only choice possible. I don't want to see a James Bond as a coloured person (whether he is African, Asian, Indian etc), it just doesn't fit the caracter, it is just as mentioned before, there is also no white Shaft. And I love Idris Alba as an actor, lets have that clear! Can't wait to see Skyfall, just one more week of waiting patiently 🙂
Jackie on Oct 26, 2012
80
well it doesn't fit the character as imagined by Ian Fleming , but that doesn't mean Idris couldn't act his ass off and get it over . Supposedly Pierce was the closest to what Ian was writing , so he'd have to mimic him somewhat , not Sean and def not Roger . It's a movie it doesn't HAVE to stick to source as we have said about SO many movies lately ...
Dominic A on Oct 28, 2012
81
Hell damn yeah! He's British and has phenomenal skills.
mooreworthy on Oct 25, 2012
82
whiles we at it lets have the next james bond be a ethnic chinese then, you'll get better sales. now let me think of a britsh chinese actor?!...
ridiculous ideas on Oct 25, 2012
83
What if I told you British actor Idris Elba had met with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli about making him the first black 007 sometime? it wouldn't be any different than what i've read on every other movie site.
Maverick Pete on Oct 25, 2012
84
I'd love to see that take. It's not a matter of race but of acting and character. Will him being Bond destroy the character of Bond or give a dope spin on it?
P on Oct 25, 2012
85
I'd prefer if he did his own thing. I quite like him but not as Bond. I want Clive Owen. But that'll never happen.
BK on Oct 25, 2012
87
What's next? Black Hitler, Arab terminator, Asian guy as wonderwoman and a White Nelson Mandela.
badarinteminabarnisyra on Oct 25, 2012
88
Do think Elba is painfully cool and have thought for ages that he would make a great Bond BUT Fassbender would be a better, younger fit that would work much better to follow Craig's "blunt weapon" portrayal of Bond. But a black Bond? Sure. Soon as the right actor is at the right age at the right time for the franchise!
Blargh on Oct 26, 2012
89
He is one or the other. Does he hold a double citizenship? Nope, about 99% of them dont.
Mike on Oct 26, 2012
90
Yes, do it. "James Bond" doesn't need to be a code name anyway. We've already had different white actors playing the forty-something year old character for fifty years. If it wasn't a code name then, why does it have to be one now? As far as I'm concerned, every actor is a different interpretation of the role - a different universe, if you prefer. James Bond should be British. But he shouldn't have to be Anglo.
Boiler Bro Joe on Oct 26, 2012
91
White ppl are funny. Want to burn down Hollywhite when a black actor plays a part when it was originally white. Crickets when a white actor does the same. Johnny Depp as Tonto? Angelina Jolie played two characters who were black. The Last Air bender all of those characters were Asian and Mortal Kombat.
C.E.W on Oct 26, 2012
92
Excellent observation . remember whites will NOT be a majority in this country soon ( already not at the newborn level ) some are feeling the strain already and lashing out . is this not what the Repubs are making this Presidential election about ( quietly not overtly )?
Dominic A on Nov 4, 2012
93
Yes. Why Not..
jjdpro media production on Oct 26, 2012
94
Well…does James Bond have to be British? There's absolutely no reason he couldn't be Canadian or American, ya know. Put the accent in post if you must…
ambiguish on Oct 26, 2012
95
by the logic of some of the people commenting here then they shouldn't have that Shaft film with samuel jackson, should of made it with keanu reeves! not really going to be the same character is it?
i hate stupid people on Oct 26, 2012
96
But... you're black.
castingcouch on Oct 27, 2012
97
LOL I see you, Lethal Weapon 2.
Shiloh on Nov 12, 2012
99
I've always wondered why it matters what color an actor is?? Idris Elba is an amazing actor and has the stoicism, sarcasm, sex appeal, and dramatic chops to play an amazing James Bond. For god's sake's people blew their lids because Roger Moore was blonde and not dark haired like Connery. In the end the the film makers are going to make the best movie with the best possible actors to carry on the legacy of James Bond, and if you're a true fan you support that hands down.
Sweet Pea on Oct 29, 2012
100
I think this would be great, but only if he was picking up the mantle of 007, not named James Bond. Like xXx: State of the Union, only done much better.
Matthew South on Oct 29, 2012
101
could be epic stuff!
A5J4DX on Oct 29, 2012
102
What about Tom Hiddleston as Bond?
Steph on Nov 3, 2012
103
Wow. The world is still a sad place. A lot of the comments here have showed that. What does political correctness have to do with the produces envisioning something different with their material (if you have something better in mind, here's a suggestion, go to school, get your license, and make your own Bond movies and see if you do better). Seriously. It would obviously be a reboot. I see no one got pissy when they rebooted and made M a female. Or did anyone not notice that? This is probably exactly why so many talented producers are afraid to stick their neck out and try something new, because narrow-minded bigots like you. Dumb asses...
shaking my head on Nov 10, 2012
104
I don't see Elba in the role. Chiwetel Ejiofor, absolutely, but not. Elba.
Shiloh on Nov 12, 2012
105
He would be a great James Bond, he is sexy, and has an accent, I would do him and so would many others male and female!!!
Pamala Henderson on Dec 9, 2012
106
Moneypenny was always caucasian and now Naomie Harris is playing her. Food for thought?
Guest on Dec 9, 2012
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