Idris Elba says James Bond shouldn't become 'woke' as he addresses 007 rumours

Sir Idris Elba has said that James Bond shouldn’t become ‘woke’ and that he believes audiences ‘won’t go for’ a black actor playing 007.

The Luther star has been touted as a potential successor to Daniel Craig’s Bond for the last few years, alongside a host of other stars including the recently-married Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton.

However, in a new interview with GQ, Elba has refuted claims he was ever ‘realistically’ in the running for the role, but admitted to being flattered all the same.

“It was never legit. It was always just a rumour. I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he said.

Sir Idris Elba has said being in the running to play Bond was ‘never legit’ (Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

“James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it.

“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.”

Elba went on to say that he thinks the character shouldn't move on too much from its original conception.

“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” he continued.

“I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism.

(Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for FLC)

“Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”

Casting for the next Bond flick is currently underway, with casting director Nina Gold leading the charge.

As you might expect, Gold is remaining tight-lipped about who is in the running, but speaking to Deadline recently, she revealed that the chosen actor must 'ooze sex appeal' and be young enough to reprise the iconic character potentially four more times.

Amazon MGM Studios officially announced the opening of the casting last month.

"While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”

A source told Variety that Tom Francis has already auditioned, and said that Taylor-Johnson, Turner, and Euphoria star Jacob Elordi are all in the running.