The 43-year-old actor put up an article that had him smiling wide and wrote, 'Always Keep Smiling. It takes no energy and never hurts!'
- September 3, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Idris Elba finally gave a thought to the controversy surrounding the next James Bond. The "Prometheus" actor who was deemed "too street" to play the world-famous spy responded in the most classy way.
Anthony Horowitz, the author of the James Bond novel "Trigger Mortis" did not think Elba was the right choice to play Bond. "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better," Horowitz told Daily Mail. "For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It's not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."
Horowitz soon apologized for his comments, tweeting "I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I'm a writer not a casting director so what do I know? Clumsily, I chose the word 'street' as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offence."
Elba addressed the issue on his Instagram on Tuesday, September 1, posting a screenshot of the article. He captioned the pic, "Always Keep Smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!! #septemberstillloveyou".
Earlier last month, Elba said him playing Bond was just a rumor started by current 007 agent. "Daniel Craig actually set the rumor off. About four years ago he said Idris Elba would be a great Bond, and then it started to creep," he said, adding "Honestly, it's a rumor that's really starting to eat itself. If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it's gone."
