Idris Elba and Kemi Badenoch say new James Bond shouldn’t be ‘woke’

Award-winning actor Sir Idris, who was rumoured to be in the running to play the fictional spy for over a decade, also claimed that not all audiences “will go” for a black Bond because it is “not what they like in their culture”.

Conservative leader Mrs Badenoch was asked about Sir Idris’s comments as she made a major speech in central London setting out plans to overhaul equality law.

She told journalists: “I agree with Idris Elba that we should not make James Bond woke, because that will ruin really the entire franchise.

READ MORE: Doctor Who actors on if Billie Piper will return as BBC cancels show

Kemi Badenoch. (Image: PA)

“But it is for the writers and the people who own the rights to make that decision, and then the public will deliver their verdict in terms of ticket sales.

“I believe in capitalism. That’s the way that it should work.”

Speaking to British GQ, Sir Idris this week said he was “complimented” by reports linking him to the role of Bond, but said it was “never legit”.

He added: “In realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that.

“Bond is big all over the world and (audiences) won’t (all) go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond.

READ MORE: Idris Elba enjoys Oxfordshire farm getaway with Cotswolds trip

(Image: PA)

“That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”

Sir Idris added that some reality checks are needed for the franchise, but changing Bond is not something he thinks is necessary.

He said: “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke. I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism.

“Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”

READ MORE: Hugh Laurie brutally takes down critic with savage House putdown

Sir Idris has also revealed that he enjoys taking a trip to Oxfordshire with his wife, Lady Sabrina Elba, when not starring on the screen.

Among his favourite local spots is Burford’s Bull, where Sir Idris has donated his personal poker table.

“When I have time off in the UK, Sabrina and I rent a beautiful house in Oxfordshire on a four-acre farm,” he told The Times.

“We bring Lola, our sheepadoodle, and I take my music, guitar and recording equipment — making music gives me the most pleasure.

READ MORE: Historic £26.5m Oxfordshire riverside estate seen in ITV’s Endeavour for sale

“We love going for a meal at the Bull at Burford; the owner, Matthew Freud, is a friend and I’ve donated my poker table to the hotel. I haven’t played there … yet.”

Bull in Burford has quickly established itself as one of the Cotswolds’ most talked‑about boutique stays, housed in a Grade II-listed 16th‑century coaching inn on Burford High Street.

The 18-bedroom hotel has picked up major accolades since reopening, with its restaurants named among the UK’s top 100.

Its Horn dining room was also awarded two AA Rosettes in 2024, while the property itself has been recognised with a Michelin Key.