Let’s Talk Idris Elba as James Bond and Hollywood’s Recent History With Recasting White Characters (Podcast)

From Nick Fury to the Human Torch, Hollywood has had mixed success rebooting historically white characters as black

Idris Elba Tux Golden Globes Stay Frosty Warner Bros
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For almost all of Hollywood’s history, the film industry has been guilty of whitewashing — the practice of casting white actors as people of color. But lately a new trend has emerged, exemplified by the possibility of Idris Elba taking over as James Bond. Hollywood has tried to improve its record on diversity by casting characters who have historically been white as black.

We talk about it on the latest “Low Key” podcast, where Keith Dennie, Aaron Lanton and I focus on low-key things some people might miss — and discuss their deeper meanings. You can listen on Apple or right here:

Elba fueled the hopes of fans that he’ll be the next Bond when he tweeted over the weekend, tweeting, “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.”

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