James Bond author calls Idris Elba "too street" to play Bond, apologizes
UPDATE: Anthony Horowitz apologized on Twitter for his comments on Idris Elba.
"I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offense," he wrote. The author attached a statement saying that calling Elba "street" stemmed from the actor's potrayal of DCI John Luther, but picked a "poor choice of word." He added that he is "mortified" for offending people.
The author of the upcoming James Bond novel, "Trigger Mortis," is not a fan of actor Idris Elba as 007.
Anthony Horowitz, who was chosen by the Ian Fleming estate to write the next book, told the Daily Mail: "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better."
Like? Horowitz said he would prefer Adrian Lester of the BBC series "Hustle."
Horowitz claims his distaste for Elba in the role has nothing to do with race -- he just thinks Elba is too "street."
"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part," he said. "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."
Elba seems plenty suave to us -- the man knows how to pull off a designer suit -- though perhaps his role as drug lord Russell "Stringer" Bell on "The Wire" is seared into Horowitz's brain.
This isn't the first time Elba's rumored casting as Bond has stirred up controversy. Rush Limbaugh declared in December that Elba couldn't play Bond because he is black.
The ever modest actor poked fun at himself in December and questioned whether or not he was right for the role of one of Hollywood's sexiest characters. "Isn't 007 supposed to be handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot!" he asked on Twitter, along with a goofy selfie.
We think Elba will do a fine job shaking off the haters.
