Author Anthony Horowitz, who wrote the most recent James Bond novel titled "Trigger Mortis," said he did not think actor Idris Elba would be a good fit to play Bond. Elba was named as a fan and studio favorite to take over the role of 007 when Daniel Craig eventually leaves the series.
"Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better," Horowitz told the Daily News. "For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It's not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."
The author has since apologized for his comments on Twitter. "I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offense. That wasn't my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I'm a writer not a casting director so what do I know?" the author wrote. "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. I am mortified to have cause offense."
Elba first caught the attention of audiences with HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Wire," where he played Stringer Bell, a gang leader. In the British series "Luther," the actor took on the role of the title character, a brilliant but haunted homicide detective, according to the Los Angeles Times
The next Bond movie, "Spectre," hits theaters on Nov. 6.
