Idris Elba Addresses James Bond Rumors & Says ‘Let’s Not Try & Make It Woke’

Idris Elba is talking about the future of James Bond.

The 53-year-old actor is speaking out in an interview with British GQ about the rumors that he would be playing the role of the iconic 007, as well as the very emotional reason behind his energy and motivation in his career.

Find out what he had to say…

Idris on the Bond rumors:

“It was never legit. It was always just a rumor.”

On how it started at the Italian premiere of Quantum of Solace, held a day after the 2008 US presidential election, and Daniel Craig saying that Barack Obama’s victory suggested we had reached the time for a Black Bond:

“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing. James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. 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.”

On changing James Bond and why it’s not necessary:

“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 and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”

On his career:

“If directing wasn’t an option for me, I’m not sure how long I’d be acting. I want to be inspired again. I think the inspiration comes from watching other actors and molding and getting people to say it differently.”

On Masters of the Universe:

“I did that for me, man. I remember taking it, thinking, Uhhhh… I suppose at my age, with the kind of things I’ve done, and the kind of things I’m doing, can I get away with being in a film like that? I thought, F–k it, why not? Talk about recasting. (Man-At-Arms is canonically ginger.) 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!”

On where his energy comes from:

“I saw my dad die. Changed my life, mate…he was my guy, you know what I mean? Only child, you have a slightly different relationship with your parents.”

“When he was dying, he was partly in a coma before he went. The last breath, the last breath, he opened his eyes. I was standing right above him, like this, holding his hand. He looked directly at me. Medically, he probably wasn’t looking at me. But it felt like he was.”

On what he felt after his dad died:

“That’s it, every anxiety, every stress he used to think about, things he was worried about, things he couldn’t get, things he wanted, things he achieved – gone. Gone. He might as well have been a table. I was like, That’s what happens when you die? It was mind-blowing. I don’t like talking about it, because I get emotional about it, but it is the thing that absolutely changed my life – that’s where it comes from. I had energy before, but to see life gone…” 

“His last breath became my first breath, quite frankly. You know, not to be poetic, but it was just like… What am I gonna do with my life? Because this is where I’ll end up one day. And I don’t want to go down wishing I did, or tried, or [having] spent my whole life pretending to be someone – I mean – I’m an actor.”

For more from Idris Elba, head to British GQ.

If you missed it, he also just got knighted!

The post Idris Elba Addresses James Bond Rumors & Says ‘Let’s Not Try & Make It Woke’ appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment.