Idris Elba: the public is not ready for a Black James Bond

British actor Idris Elba believes James Bond should not become an icon of "woke" culture, and says part of the audience is not ready to see a Black man in the role of agent 007. Elba made these comments in an interview with GQ magazine, addressing long-running speculation about his potential casting as Bond.

British actor Idris Elba has expressed his views on James Bond's future in an interview with GQ magazine, saying that the legendary spy character should not become a symbol of political progressivism, or so-called "woke" culture. Elba added that in his view, part of the audience is still not ready to see a Black man in the role of agent 007.

Over the years, Elba's name has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential actor to fill this iconic role, with many fans and industry insiders believing he could become the first Black James Bond. Elba himself has so far commented on these speculations in a neutral manner.

Now the actor publicly acknowledges that such a casting choice would provoke strong backlash and that the franchise creators should take into account a broad audience. According to him, the Bond brand is strongly associated with a certain traditional image that part of the public does not wish to change.