Is Idris Too Street To Play James Bond? Writer Says So

Novelist and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz is the most recent author to write a James Bond novel and when it comes to who should play Bond on the big screen, he has quite an opinion. 

It was rumored that Idris Elba would be playing the legendary role. Horowitz likes Idris, but doesn’t quite think he’s the right one for the role. ‘Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better,’ says Horowitz, naming “Hustle” star, Adrian Lester as a better bet.  ‘For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too “street” for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.’

Maybe Horowitz watched one too many episodes of “The Wire”? Regardless, the general public felt Horowitz comments were uncalled for and slightly racist, forcing him to apologize. ‘I’m really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offense,’ he tweeted. ‘That wasn’t my intention. I was asked in an 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 was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offense.’

In my opinion, I don’t think Anthony Horowitz meant anything by it. He felt Idris was too gritty, too street, to play James Bond. While I don’t agree, that’s his opinion. He named another black actor he felt should play. He didn’t say no black man should be Bond. This appears to have just been people up in arms over nothing. If you had a limited knowledge of Idris acting ability, you probably would have called him “street” too. Let’s face it, Stringer Bell was street and Luther is definitely gritty.