Idris Elba has finally responded to the James Bond author who said he thinks “The Wire” actor is “too street” to play the iconic British spy.
Following author Anthony Horowitz’s apology for the comment that sparked instant internet backlash, Elba took to Instagram to weigh in on the topic that was trending earlier this week.
“Always keep smiling! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street,” the actor wrote along with a screenshot of Horowitz’s apology.
Many have praised the actor for his classy response to Horowitz, who said in an interview published Tuesday that the 42-year-old “Luther” star is “a bit too rough to play the part” that is currently occupied by Daniel Craig. Although there has been no official chatter to offer Elba the part after Craig is through, fans have been pushing for him to become the first black Bond.
“It’s not a color issue,” Horowitz said. “I think he is probably a bit too ‘street’ for Bond.”
A few hours later, Horowitz backtracked on his comments on Twitter, where he posted a formal apology.
“Clumsily, I chose the word ‘street,’ as Elba’s gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind, but I admit it was a poor choice of word,” Horowitz wrote. “I am mortified to have caused offense.”
Horowitz is a British novelist and screenwriter specializing in mystery and suspense. His work includes young adult series, “The Diamond Brothers,” “Alex Rider,” and “The Power of Five” series. His work for adults includes the novel “Mindgame” and two Sherlock Holmes novels, “The House of Silk” and “Moriarty.”
As for Elba, he is currently gracing the cover of Maxim’s September issue, the first solo-male cover in the history of the men’s publication. In the interview for the magazine, the actor debunked casting rumors that had been circling about him potentially being the next Bond.