September 01, 2015
In a recent interview with The Daily Mail, Anthony Horowitz, who penned the latest "James Bond" adventure, weighed in on the casting of the spy after Daniel Craig leaves the franchise.
The new Bond adventure, called "Trigger Mortis," is set two weeks after the end of the novel "Goldfinger" in 1957.
Idris Elba is said to be a favorite to succeed Craig as the next Bond. Fans have even created online campaigns in support of the actor.
But Horowitz is not impressed with the choice.
"Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better," Horowitz told The 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."
How are fans reacting to Horowitz's shutdown of Elba? Many Twitter users disagree.
What "street" is Idris Elba and can I move to it?
— Ryan Case (@film114) September 1, 2015
If Idris Elba isn't considered suave, I don't want to live on this planet anymore.
— Chrisbookarama (@chrisbookarama) September 1, 2015
The only possible argument against Idris Elba as James Bond is that sometimes a secret agent has to go unnoticed. Imagine not noticing Elba.
— Robert McNees (@mcnees) September 1, 2015
idris elba could play my mom in a biopic and i'd be fine with it
— jorge farah (@everyist) September 1, 2015
I mean, have you ever seen Idris Elba? Do you have working eyeballs? The literal definition of suave.
— Jamie L (@jlew8) September 1, 2015
Horowitz also said while he liked "Casino Royale," he wasn't a fan of the follow-ups.
"'Quantum of Solace' just went wrong," he told The Daily Mail. "'Skyfall' is my least favorite. I know it is heresy to say so, but it is the one Bond film I have never liked."
On Tuesday, Horowitz responded to the Twitter uproar, apologizing for his choice of words.
I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence [full statement attached] pic.twitter.com/UD6ouA45Uv
— Anthony Horowitz (@AnthonyHorowitz) September 1, 2015
The next James Bond film, "Spectre," will begin 007’s origin story and hits cinemas on Nov. 6.
Read more from The Daily Mail.
