Kemi Badenoch has said she agrees with Sir Idris Elba that James Bond should not be made “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.
“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.
“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.”
