James Bond Writer Horowitz Sorry For Idris Elba 'Too Street' Comments

Anthony Horowitz, the current writer of the James Bond novels, has said he’s sorry for comments he made about Idris Elba being – or more accurately, not being – the next 007.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Horowitz said that the actor was ‘too street’ to play the role.

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He’s now backtracked on the remarks.

In a statement, he said: “I’m really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. 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?

“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 caused offence.”

Horowitz was lambasted on social media for the comments.

American writer Ta-Nehisi Coates tweeted scathingly: “Just be honest and say ‘James Bond’s being white is important to me’ and be done with it … Elba is ‘too street’ in much the same way that Obama was ‘too foreign,’ and King was ‘too communist.’”

In the interview, Horowitz said: “Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better.

“For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. 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.”

Horowitz has penned the novel 'Trigger Mortis’ for the Ian Fleming estate, following new Bond novels from the likes of Sebastian Faulks and Jeffery Deaver.

It’s out on September 8.

Image credits: Yahoo File