Idris Elba, the renowned British actor, has recently shared that he was initially interested in portraying the iconic character James Bond in the popular British film franchise.
However, he revealed that his enthusiasm waned when the issue of racism became intertwined with the casting process. During his appearance on the Smartless podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Haves, and Will Arnett, the 50-year-old actor discussed the rumors surrounding his potential involvement in the Bond series.
Elba expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and excitement surrounding the possibility of him playing the role. He acknowledged the significance of the character and the honor associated with being considered for such an iconic part. However, he also acknowledged the unfortunate truth that some individuals brought racism into the conversation, tarnishing the experience and turning it into an unpleasant ordeal.
Despite the negative aspects, Elba emphasized that the initial compliment he received from people worldwide was genuinely heartwarming, except for those who injected racial prejudice into the discussion.