Idris Elba as James Bond?
By Phyrre
@phyrre (2317)
United States
September 1, 2015 3:08pm CST
I've been hearing rumors of this, and I've been reading some very interesting articles. There seems to be this debate going on about Idris Elba and whether he should play James Bond. Then, of course, the question inevitably turns to whether or not there can ever be a black James Bond.
I find these arguments so interesting, because people have a really hard time explaining their thinking or justifying their beliefs. The argument usually goes, "The James Bond character is a white, Scottish male and therefore that's who the actor should be." But the actors who have played bonds aren't all Scottish. Pierce Brosnan is Irish, Moore and Dalton are English, and Lazenby is Australian. Idris Elba is British, so the nationality thing is out.
So then it comes down to, "Well, he can't do it because he's black." Which sounds racist but it's not. I get it. Bond is supposed to be Bond and the profile of the character is a white male. As a writer myself, I totally support that. I would hate for my white characters to be cast black and my black characters to be cast white because that's just who they are, who they developed as in my head, and that's teh character.
I think that's where it derails, in my mind, since what really made me question my sanity is people using the arguments, "Well, you wouldn't want a white guy playing Nelson Mandela in a documentary, would you?" Well, no. Because Nelson Mandela is a real person. Hell, as much as I love Idris Elba, I wouldn't want him playing Mandela, either (although he did, and I'm dying to watch the movie because I want to see how that one played out since I just do not picture him as Mandela). I want someone who looks somewhat like Mandela. My mind cannot fathom the leap between changing how an artist visualizes a character to changing how a real human is portrayed.
Anyway, what do you guys think of having a black James Bond? Do you think Idris Elba would be right for the role? Who would you like to see as the next Bond?
1 person likes this
1 response
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
2 Sep 15
Because hes black he cant be James Bond??? haha wot a crock lolz
Just like Dracula cant be Blacula..I kid you not, I was just watching this scary? movie name Scream, Blacula, Scream..
Well I would think anyone would be better as James Bond than Pierce Brosnan..he sux at James Bond to me anywayhahah
1 person likes this
@phyrre (2317)
• United States
2 Sep 15
Whaaaaat? We can't be friends anymore. I love Pierce Brosnan! No, I'm sorry, we have to break up. It's not me, it's you. I mean...no, wait, that was right.
I admit, I don't care for Bond that much. But this does have me very interested, as I really like Pierce Brosnan and I do like Idris Elba. It'll be interesting to see where this goes.
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
2 Sep 15
@phyrre lolz I knew it, I just knew you would love him. I loved him in other films but for some reason I just think he doesnt suit Bond haha
I dunno, there is no other James Bond than Sean to me.
Even wot was that other guys name Roger? noooo.
1 person likes this
@phyrre (2317)
• United States
2 Sep 15
@TiarasOceanView Well, that's fair enough, maybe. As long as you like him as an actor in other things, I suppose we can still get on.
Hubby is the exact opposite. To him, Pierce Brosnan is James Bond (well, and Sean Connery) and that's it. He gets visibly annoyed when I watch "Mamma Mia" because, "James Bond does not sing." xD
1 person likes this