# I like the idea of Black James Bond. Idris Elba, anyone? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies, actor-characters\ **Created:** [September 9, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994 "2014-09-09T18:55:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/41 "2014-09-11T21:32:11Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > The really stupid thing about this outcry (from mostly teen-aged girls, from what I could tell) was that the movie was ruined, _ruined_ by Rue being played by a black girl when, in the book, she’s a black girl. I thought it was more of a case of ambiguous description in the books, but I looked it up, and nope, you’re right, it’s pretty clear that the movie did a close-enough job to even the small descriptions done. Collins describes them out-of-book as African-American. Hmm… wouldn’t that be African-Panemian? > [@](#): > > I wondered if Morris Chestnut is too old. Another can of worms, as post #34 illustrates. And not that the actor has to be the same nationality, but Captain Britain thinks James Bond needs to tone down the Britishisms. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/42 "2014-09-11T21:44:23Z")
Oh wow, Idris Elba would be perfect! Chiwetel Ejiofor doesn’t work for me as Bond. A tuxedo is just not his best look. James Bond needs to be able to completely rock a tux and a business suit. Try doing a google image search on “chiwetel ejiofor tuxedo” and then “idris elba tuxedo.” You’ll see what I mean. Ejiofor is more than welcome on my screen any time, but he’s not Bond. > [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > I’m not a big fan of race or gender changes solely to be provocative and create press. It can seem forced and cheap. Do you think that casting Idris Elba as Bond would be “solely to be provocative and create press?” It would seem to me more likely that they’d cast him because he’s perfect for the job. The ensuing shitstorm and publicity would just be a nice bonus. > [@BlankSlate](#): > > I agree. The whole James Bond franchise is completely played out. Is it? The first Bond film I EVER saw in its entirety, whether in the theater or at home, was Skyfall. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the others, and Craig is the first Bond who I’ve found appealing in any way. Lots of people felt Skyfall was either the best or one of the best Bond films. I think Craig as Bond was great for revitalizing the franchise. The fact that Elba is so hot right now would be really good for the franchise too. And by “hot” I mean “popular, talked about, etc.” I mean, he’s regular hot too, of course. > [@Sodalite](#): > > Speaking of fantasizing and gorgeous eyes, I nominate [Michael Ealy.](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=680&q=almost+human&oq=almost&gs_l=img.1.1.0l10.1191.2174.0.4899.6.5.0.1.1.0.89.291.5.5.0....0...1ac.1.53.img..0.6.292.fak8_MCWdzw#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=michael+ealy&imgdii=_) I wonder what it’s going to take to make Michael Ealy take that jump from “moderately famous actor” to “A-list movie star?” Perhaps a role as a Bond villain? 🙂 Damn, now I’m getting upset again about Almost Human getting cancelled. Michael Ealy + Karl Urban + Humanoid Robots in a Somewhat Dystopian Future = A Very Very Happy Green Bean. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/43 "2014-09-11T21:58:06Z")
> [@Dale\_Sams](#): > > I have no problem with a black James Bond. That’s like asking “Would you have a problem with a black spy”? > > However an American James Bond would be an abomination. That’s exactly what I was thinking. You may get some complaints about a black James Bond but an American one would cause riots. ---
**Author:** ![Gordon\_Urquhart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/db5fbb/32.png) [@Gordon\_Urquhart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gordon_Urquhart)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/44 "2014-09-11T22:16:34Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > … The first Bond film I EVER saw in its entirety, whether in the theater or at home, was Skyfall. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the others, and Craig is the first Bond who I’ve found appealing in any way. Lots of people felt Skyfall was either the best or one of the best Bond films. I think Craig as Bond was great for revitalizing the franchise… The three Daniel Craig movies have made $167 million (_Casino Royale_), $168 million (_Quantum of Solace_), and $304 million (_Skyfall_). The franchise is on solid ground, having made Sony nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in the last eight years. To the OP, I’d love to see a shakeup of who plays James Bond (after Craig gets in a couple more – I love his interpretation of the character), and would have no problem with Elba or another black actor/actress. My only stipulation is that the actor/actress must be British. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/45 "2014-09-11T22:20:15Z")
I’d have no problem with a black J. Bond, as long as the entire cast isn’t “Black caricatured” like some '70s exploitation flick. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/46 "2014-09-11T22:28:37Z")
I’m here again only to say one thing: Mike Ealy is beautiful. That is all. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/47 "2014-09-11T23:07:44Z")
George Clooney would make a perfect Jimmy Bond. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2014, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/48 "2014-09-11T23:44:31Z")
> [@Gordon\_Urquhart](#): > > The three Daniel Craig movies have made $167 million (_Casino Royale_), $168 million (_Quantum of Solace_), and $304 million (_Skyfall_). The franchise is on solid ground, having made Sony nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in the last eight years. And that’s just domestically: worldwide, (a) those first two each raked in more than half-a-billion apiece, and (b) _Skyfall_ raked in well over a billion all by itself. And, yes, on topic: Chiwetel Ejiofor. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/49 "2014-09-12T00:17:58Z")
Hey guys i don’t like this hugely popular series that is doing better than it ever has before so fuck everyone and end it! Also obviously it should be Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Bit of Bond trivia: Burt Reynolds and Adam West both turned down the role because they felt it should be a British actor playing Bond. ---
**Author:** ![Sodalite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@Sodalite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sodalite)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/50 "2014-09-12T10:37:38Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > I’m here again only to say one thing: Mike Ealy is beautiful. That is all. I know, right? Those eyes, that jawline, and that body. He cuts a fine figure in a suit. His “serious face” is chill inducing. Sure, he wasn’t born a Brit, but look at all the Brits and Aussies playing Americans. Turn about is fair play, and all that. If you really need a British actor, maybe [Peter Mensah](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0579795/?ref_=nmmd_md_nm), or [Charles Venn](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1111200/?ref_=nmmd_md_nm) would do? I have nothing against Idris Elba, but other people deserve a chance, too. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/51 "2014-09-12T11:53:56Z")
> [@Sodalite](#): > > I know, right? Those eyes, that jawline, and that body. He cuts a fine figure in a suit. His “serious face” is chill inducing. Sure, he wasn’t born a Brit, but look at all the Brits and Aussies playing Americans. Turn about is fair play, and all that. We already took Sherlock Holmes. And we made Jude Law stand _right next to him_. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/52 "2014-09-12T14:00:22Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > We already took Sherlock Holmes. And we made Jude Law stand _right next to him_. Ha! We sure did! My houseguest wants to nominate Djmon Hounsou. I think his accent is too thick but she would like to see him in a tux. ---
**Author:** ![dracoi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/53 "2014-09-12T18:04:49Z")
I have mixed feelings about this kind of thing. Instinctively, I want to be a purist. One of the things that turned me off most about the remake of Battlestar Galactica is that characters like Starbuck and Boomer had nothing in common with the original character but the name. That really, really pissed me off. So, part of me is always going to be bothered if we don’t have a British white male in the role. Even among the existing Bond actors, there’s more variation in appearance and mannerisms than I like. So in that sense, a black James Bond is a non-starter for me. On the other hand, call him 008 and stick him in the same universe and I’ve got no problem whatsoever. I might even look forward to it. And the question has come up - why not do that with the other Bonds? Frankly, I wish they would. Now that Daniel Craig has me paying attention to Bond for the first time ever, my pet theory is that James Bond and 007 are just code names and all the ongoing characters are just pretending that it’s the same agent because it’s a sort of inside joke or a counter-intelligence strategy. If the series would just come out and admit that, then sure - put anyone in that role you want to. ---
**Author:** ![1224rattusrattus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/ec9cab/32.png) [@1224rattusrattus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1224rattusrattus)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/54 "2014-09-12T19:26:54Z")
Class is more important than race here. James Bond affects a blue blooded background, I’m not sure if this is ever stated outright but British people just assume Bond is from a very privileged private school, politically powerful parents, Oxbridge etc. The problem is there is only so much the British public will buy into the concept of a blue blooded black person. People of Caribbean and African descent are perceived as being primarily working class or middle class- because they are. I’m struggling to see how you would devise a privileged background for an Idris Elba Bond. Then again the whole franchise shouldn’t have managed to adapt to a post cold war world, and it arguably achieved that. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/55 "2014-09-12T20:14:17Z")
Sounds fine to me. Idris Elba is the right age, he’s a hell of an actor, and he looks physically imposing and badass. His being black strikes me as being just different enough to get some more butts into the theatre. The idea of a black man becoming an MI6 agent is in today’s UK not the slightest bit unbelievable. ---
**Author:** ![Stealth\_Potato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Stealth\_Potato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stealth_Potato)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2014, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/56 "2014-09-12T21:39:59Z")
I had never heard of Idris Elba before (I know, I know) but after looking up a few clips of him acting and speaking, I’m convinced. Whatever role you give him, he can act it. I would love to see him play James Bond. (As soon as Daniel Craig is done with the role, of course… Craig is too sexy to just toss out!) > [@dracoi](#): > > Now that Daniel Craig has me paying attention to Bond for the first time ever, my pet theory is that James Bond and 007 are just code names and all the ongoing characters are just pretending that it’s the same agent because it’s a sort of inside joke or a counter-intelligence strategy. If the series would just come out and admit that… I’m pretty sure that will never happen. The true nature of the Bond continuity is one of those meta-narrative things, like whether Hobbes is a real tiger or not. In one sense, both possibilities are true – and in any case, it’s not important. ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2014, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/57 "2014-09-13T10:44:15Z")
> [@1224rattusrattus](#): > > Class is more important than race here. James Bond affects a blue blooded background, I’m not sure if this is ever stated outright but British people just assume Bond is from a very privileged private school, politically powerful parents, Oxbridge etc. The problem is there is only so much the British public will buy into the concept of a blue blooded black person. People of Caribbean and African descent are perceived as being primarily working class or middle class- because they are. I’m struggling to see how you would devise a privileged background for an Idris Elba Bond. Then again the whole franchise shouldn’t have managed to adapt to a post cold war world, and it arguably achieved that. I don’t get that vibe at all from Daniel Craig. Isn’t that the whole impetus behind the maternal relationship he has with M? _This_ Bond is damaged goods and didn’t have the advantages the other Bonds had. Including the Pierce Bond for whom she seems to hold in contempt. ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2014, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/58 "2014-09-13T22:01:19Z")
Jamie fox is a black david niven. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2014, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/59 "2014-09-14T01:59:00Z")
I’ve seen this idea proposed since before Daniel Craig. I don’t know the particular appeal of Elba, but I’m probably not meant to. But I would add that I’m sure there are more black actors who could fill the role. I don’t think most people knew who Daniel Craig was or many of the previous Bonds were before they got the gig. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2014, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994/60 "2014-09-14T12:47:03Z")
Not sure how good the idea is but if you are going to do it, I vote Taye Diggs: [http://thegrid10.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/taye-diggs.jpg](http://thegrid10.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/taye-diggs.jpg) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-the-idea-of-black-james-bond-idris-elba-anyone/697994.md?page=4)