Idris Elba has said that James Bond should not be made "woke".
This comes amid rumours that the actor had been tipped to play the spy, which he described as "unrealistic".
In a recent interview, Elba insisted these rumours were "never legit".
He said the popular character was "written how he was written for a reason" and that not all audiences "will go" for a black Bond because it is "not what they like in their culture".
"It was never legit. It was always just a rumour", Elba stated. "I've always felt that it's not a realistic thing".
"James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it", he continued. "In realistic terms, some markets just don't go for that".
"Bond is big all over the world and [audiences] won't [all] go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond", he added. "That's not what they like in their culture. Period".
Elba went on to add that while some reality checks are needed for the Bond franchise, changing the character is not something which he feels is necessary.
"Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let's not try and make it woke. I think you've got to be pure to what it is: escapism", he said. "Don't try and answer the world's taste. Just be Bond".
Casting for the next 007 agent began last month, with a number of household names linked to the role, including Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson. It was also announced that the next movie would be written by Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight.
It was previously portrayed by Daniel Craig, who debuted as Bond in Casino Royale in 2006, before finishing up in 2021 with No Time To Die.
It was first reported that Elba had ruled himself out of the running to replace Craig in the role in 2022. Find out more on this story here.
