Idris Elba: 'Don't try to make James Bond woke' (UK/Global) 8/Jun/2026

British actor Sir Idris Elba has said that James Bond shouldn't become "woke" and that some audiences would not accept a black male playing 007. Sir Idris, who has previously said that he was "never in the race", external to play the famous spy despite years of rumours, told GQ, external that he was nevertheless flattered by the suggestion. He said that Bond "was written how he was written for a reason", but added he was "complimented" by being linked to the role. "In realistic terms, some markets just don't go for that," Sir Idris said. "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." Sir Idris continued: "Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try and make it woke. I think you've got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don't try to answer the world's taste. Just be Bond." The actor, who is currently starring in the film Masters of the Universe as Man-at-Arms, joked about the fact his latest character - a 1980s cartoon character with a ginger moustache - looked nothing like him. "Talk about recasting," he says. "I was a bit conscious about it. But then I was like, 'What are you talking about?! Man-At-Arms could be any colour! He's got green legs, for God's sake!'" #idriselba #jamesbond #jamesbond2026 #jamesbondcasting #jamesbondwoke