Roger Moore wishes the controversy over his remarks about Idris Elba would “live and let die.”
The 87-year-old actor, who portrayed super-spy James Bond in seven films, has come under fire for a Paris Match interview in which scoffed at the idea of the “Luther” star portraying 007.
"A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr. would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!” Moore said, when asked for his thoughts about the casting rumor.
"Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'. Nevertheless, it's an interesting idea, but unrealistic."
Fans lashed back at Moore on social media, with many particularly outraged by his description that Elba was not “English-English.”
“Idris Elba was born and raised in London how can he not be 'English English'?” one wrote.
“So Idris Elba shouldn't be the next James Bond because he's not English English? I've never heard such nonesense #rogermoore #racism,” another person tweeted.
The “Moonraker” actor took to Twitter to defend himself, claiming his comments had been lost in translation.
“An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba,” he tweeted Saturday. “That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation."
While Moore allegedly might not want to see Elba step into Bond’s shoes, a leaked email written by ex-Sony Pictures exec Amy Pascal revealed she was interested in him for the iconic role.
The actor himself weighed in on the rumors not long after the emails were made public last December.
“Isn't 007 supposed to be handsome?” he joked. “Glad you think I’ve got a shot!”
Even before the emails were leaked, “The Wire” star has been considered a popular choice to take over the role. During a 2014 Reddit AMA chat, he was asked if he would like to portray Bond.
“Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely,” Elba said.
source- Newyork daily
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