He’s long been thought an ideal candidate for the role of James Bond, but Idris Elba is apparently “too street” for the part.
That’s the verdict from Anthony Horowitz, the author of the latest book in the Bond series,Trigger Mortis.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Horowitz, who has the Alex Rider spy novels to his name as well as numerous TV credits, added that Elba was “a bit too rough to play the part.”
David Oyelowo has beaten hot favourite Idris Elba to become the first black James Bond in brand new 007 adventure Trigger Mortis.
The British actor will voice the secret agent in the new audio book of the latest Bond novel by Anthony Horowitz.
Oyelow said he is “very honoured” when the news was revealed.
“I am officially the only person on planet Earth who can legitimately say, ‘I am the new James Bond.’
“Even saying that name is the cinematic equivalent of doing the ‘to be or not to be’ speech.”
“I was asked specifically by the Fleming estate, which is really special,” he added.
Oyelowo described his Bond as “a man who is very self-assured” but not perfect.
The news come on the same day that we also meet the sensational new Bond girls Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux.
Foyle’s War creator Horowitz praised the choice of the new Bond.
“What an honour to have an actor as talented as David to read my take on Bond,” he said.
“He has a brilliant voice and talent for bringing out the nuances of dialogue and characters.”
Oyelowo is best known to international audiences for his highly acclaimed performance as Martin Luther King in recent biopic Selma.
Home grown television audiences will also know him as MI5 operative Danny Hunter in Spooks.
Despite beating hot favourite Idris Elba to the punch as Bond, Oyelowo champions his fellow actor’s long-standing association as the most likely replacement for Daniel Craig on the big screen.