The chances to see Idris Elba as James Bond seem meek. The author of the new James Bond novel-Trigger Mortis, Anthony Horowitz claimed that Idris Elba was "too street" to play Britain's favorite spy.
Ever since leaked Sony emails surfaced over the internet, Idris had been one of the frontrunners to play 007. He had been touted as the fan's choice to become the first black bond, by replacing Daniel Craig.
"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part," Horowitz said during one of his promotional interviews. He added, "It's not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond."
Horowitz quickly pointed out that his objection wasn't racial. He said that he would be happy to take-in another black actor, like Hustle star Adrian Lester to play the suave secret agent 007.
However, Idris as "too street" could also be interpreted as a cypher for "too black."
"Just be honest and say 'James Bond's being white is important to me' and be done with it," tweeted "Between The World and Me" author Ta-Nehisi Coates.
"Is 'street' the UK's version of 'urban' in terms of coded racism?" asked Jamila Lemieux on Twitter.
Similarly, others also raised their objections. They clearly wished to see Idris Elba as James Bond.
"I admit it was a poor choice of word," Horowitz tweeted as an apology, moments after his controversial statement caught fire among media outlets. He added, "I am mortified to have caused offence."
The Washington Post pointed out that Elba had mastered an American accent to play Stringer Bell on the "The Wire." Reporters added that his smooth delivery of dialogues had fooled creator David Simon into thinking that he was American when he auditioned for the part. So, Elba could have been a perfect fit for Bond.
Reporters highlighted that Anthony Horowitz was just a novelist and not a casting director. They noted that Anthony wasn't even a part of the Eon Productions, the company in charge for preserving the legacy.
Amidst the "Idris Elba as James Bond" storm, Elba revealed that he would co-star in "Star Trek Beyond."
