“James Bond” Author Says Idris Elba Is ‘Too Street’ to Portray 007

Sony/Screen Gems(LONDON) — If left up to current James Bond author Anthony Horowitz, British actor Idris Elba would never portray 007 on the big screen.

“Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better,” Horowitz told the U.K.’s Daily Mail. “For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too ‘street’ for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.”

Instead, Horowitz can see Hustle’s Adrian Lester as Bond.

Horowitz is the latest author to be tapped by Bond creator Ian Fleming’s estate to continue writing novels about 007. Unlike the earliest Bond films, which were adaptations of Fleming’s original novels, the latest Bond films — with the exception of Casino Royale — have been stories written specifically for the screen.  And Horowitz doesn’t agree with some of what he’s been seeing of the next Bond film,Spectre.

“I’m looking at the trailer and I am seeing a photograph of Bond’s family. The mum and the dad are in there and their faces are missing because the picture has been burned in a fire. This is going to be to do with his family background, and I know the fans are all terribly excited to know more, but I’m saying, ‘Don’t tell me, I don’t want to know,'” he said. “I don’t want to know about his doubts, his insecurities or weaknesses. I just want to see him act, kill, win.”

At least Horowitz likes Daniel Craig, calling him “a terrific Bond.”

Spectre isout November 6.

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