James Bond Author Calls Idris Elba “Too Street” For 007

In an interview with the U.K.'s Daily Mail, Anthony Horowitz, author of the new James Bond novel Trigger Mortis, speaks his mind on a number of topics. He hated Skyfall. He's not really looking forward to Spectre. And he acknowledges that original Bond author Ian Fleming made the character sexist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic. One particular target singled out by his sharp tongue has taken many aback, however: Idris Elba. "For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part," Horowitz told the paper of the actor rumored to be a favorite to take over 007 when Daniel Craig steps down. "It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah." Is he talking about the same Idris Elba we know and love? Even as a drug kingpin on The Wire, he is suave as hell. And on Luther? Swoon. Characterizing the revered actor as "street" reverberates with racist undertones, despite Horowitz's protests that, "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other Black actors who would do it better." In real life, Elba doesn't exactly have an aristocratic background, and yet, the Mandela star has a pretty good handle on accents, and can carry himself like royalty when it's called for. Go right ahead complaining about M's death in Skyfall, buddy. But try to hold back on airing your questionable personal judgements.