Idris Elba 'too street' to play 007? James Bond author claims actor is wrong for iconic role.

There are long-standing rumours that Idris Elba will be the first black James Bond – but one person who won't be giving his approval is author Anthony Horowitz. The writer behind the next James Bond novel Trigger Mortis has said Elba isn't right for the part because he is 'too street'.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Horowitz insisted that it wasn't a colour issue but more about being a bad fit. "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better," he said. "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."

To support his theory further, Horowitz suggested Adrian Lester, the star of Hustle, could be the perfect man for the job once Daniel Craig steps down.

In August it was revealed that Selma star David Oyelowo will voice the super-spy and other characters in a new Trigger Mortis audiobook. "I was asked specifically by the Fleming estate, which is really special. I am officially the only person on planet Earth who can legitimately say: 'I am the new James Bond' – even saying that name is the cinematic equivalent of doing the 'to be or not to be' speech," he told The Guardian.


By Toyin Owoseje.
Full story at Yahoo News.