James Bond author apologises for saying Idris Elba is 'too street' to play 007 after actor's fans insist 'he's the definition of suave' 

• Idris Elba is widely rumoured to be in the running to replace Daniel Craig 
• Anthony Horowitz had said the Luther star would not be suitable for role
• Said he believed Adrian Lester would be a better choice for 007  

By SAM MATTHEW FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 22:00, 1 September 2015 | UPDATED: 23:44, 1 September 2015

The author of the new James Bond novel has apologised after he said that British actor Idris Elba is 'too street' to play 007.

Anthony Horowitz, who wrote the new novel Trigger Mortis, told the Daily Mail that the Luther star - who has been rumoured to be among the actors considered to replace Daniel Craig - would not be suitable for the role of Bond.

He has since posted an apology to the 42-year-old star on Twitter, writing: 'I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn't my intention.'

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Novelist Anthony Horowitz, left, has apologised after saying Idirs Elba is 'too street' to play 007

The 60-year-old novelist was quoted saying: 'It's not a colour issue ... Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.'

Horowitz said he was thinking of Elba's gritty role in the BBC crime drama Luther, and did not mean to cause offence. He said he believed another black actor, Adrian Lester, would be a better choice. 

Horowitz continued: 'I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I'm a writer not a casting director so what do I know?'

'Clumsily, I chose the word 'street' as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offence.'

However, Horowitz's comments angered Elba's fans, who were quick to express their views on Twitter.

Mean and moody Luther is back in new trailer for police drama

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Elba is one of the actors said to be in the running to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond

Charles Clymer wrote: 'If Idris Elba is 'too street' to be James Bond, then what hope is there for the rest of us? The man could be in pyjamas and outclass us.'

Margarita posted: 'If Idris Elba is 'too street' then I need to get down to the street where all these suave, beautiful men are,' while Matt Haig wrote: 'Idris Elba is almost the definition of suave.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3218889/James-Bond-author-apologises-saying-Idris-Elba-street-play-007.html#ixzz3kWzvjdPL
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'Let's start with a great black actor being Bond': Pierce Brosnan claims producers won't 'allow' a gay 007 but backs Idris Elba to take over from Daniel Craig

By JOANNA CRAWLEY FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 22:10, 25 August 2015 | UPDATED: 22:30, 25 August 2015

There's been mounting speculation about who will take over from Daniel Craig as Bond, when his contract is up in two films time. 

And as fans and movie buffs speculate about the future 007, one past Bond has given his views, with Pierce Brosnan admitting that a complete shake-up could be what the series needs.

Pierce, who starred in four Bond movies from 1995 to 2002, has backed the possibility of a gay 007, but admits he would love to see a black actor take on the role next.

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The future of 007: Pierce Brosnan, who starred in four Bond movies from 1995 to 2002, has backed the possibility of a gay 007, but admits he would love to see a black actor take on the role next

Speaking to Details Magazine, the Irish actor was asked if he could picture a gay Bond, and he readily agreed that it was a move he'd love to see the franchise make.

'Sure. Why not?' Brosnan said, but after a moment mused that perhaps the talent behind the scenes wouldn't be quite so keen. 'Actually, I don't know how it would work. I don't think Barbara [Broccoli, the Bond producer] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime,' he claimed. 'But it would certainly make for interesting viewing.'

Pierce, 62, was keen to back one of the leading names thought to be in the running to take over from Craig, who is under contract for one more film after 2015's Spectre, adding: 'Let's start with a great black actor being James Bond. Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence. But I think Daniel will be there for a while yet.'

Support: The actor says he'd be keen to see Idris Elba take over from Daniel Craig once his contract is up 

Pierce was the fifth actor to play the secret agent when he was cast in Goldeneye in 1994. Daniel meanwhile has so far starred in three 007 movies, with his latest Spectre, hitting cinemas this November.

Daniel has been upfront about his desire to leave the franchise, even admitting way back in 2012 that he was close to getting out of his contract before Skyfall was made.

Director Sam Mendes has already admitted that Spectre is likely to be his last, after changing his mind about quitting after Skyfall, but fans should be assured that Daniel at least is under contract for one more film.

Pierce has enjoyed big screen success since leaving the hit franchise over ten years ago, with his latest thriller No Escape hitting cinemas this week.

Quitting? Daniel has been upfront about his desire to leave the franchise, even admitting way back in 2012 that he was close to getting out of his contract before Skyfall was made

Favourite with the ladies: While Pierce fully supports a gay 007, he admits he's unsure if producers would ever let it happen

He may have played Bond four times, but the actor has admitted he turned down the chance to lead another huge movie franchise, explaining to Details that he said no to starring in Tim Burton's Batman films in the late 80s and early 90s, which eventually cast Michael Keaton.

'It was the beginning of these huge movies, and I just thought, Batman?' he said.

'Batman held such an indelible place in my own childhood, but I said something flippant to Tim Burton like, "Any guy who wears his underpants outside his trousers cannot be taken seriously." So, yeah.'

New roles: Pierce has enjoyed big screen success since leaving the hit franchise over ten years ago, with his latest thriller No Escape hitting cinemas this week

Promo trail: The star has been busy promoting his new film, stopping by the Today show in NYC on Tuesday 

No to the tights: He may have played Bond four times, but the actor has admitted he turned down the chance to lead another huge movie franchise - Batman

Pierce Brosnan attempts the weather forecast on Today

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• Pierce Brosnan on 'No Escape' and the Next James Bond: Celebrities : Details

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3210739/Pierce-Brosnan-claims-producers-won-t-allow-gay-007-backs-Idris-Elba-Daniel-Craig.html#ixzz3jrlwYyDs
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The Men Who'd Be Bond: BRIAN VINER looks at the next possible successors to the 007 role

By BRIAN VINER FOR DAILY MAIL

PUBLISHED: 00:44, 20 June 2015 | UPDATED: 00:46, 20 June 2015

So who is to play the next James Bond, once Daniel Craig has handed in his licence to kill, as he seems likely to do after the forthcoming Spectre?

Excited headlines this week suggested that the red-haired Homeland star Damian Lewis is firmly in the crosshairs to play 007, following a rash of betting that overnight made him clear favourite.

Until then, Idris Elba looked like the likeliest pick, but now it seems we are marginally more likely to get a ginger than a black Bond, and it may be significant that producer Barbara Broccoli has worked with Lewis before, on last year’s The Silent Storm.

The times they are a' changing: Could we have a redhead or black James Bond in future, with Damian Lewis and Idris Elba in the running?

I was also asked on the radio this week whether she might yet surprise us with the first female Bond. I said I fervently hoped not, not because I don’t want to see more women taking leading roles in action films (I do), but because it would be an insult to Ian Fleming’s original vision.

Not so a black Bond. Times have changed since Sean Connery outsmarted Dr No in the first 007 picture, and I think Elba, a terrific actor, would be splendid. I’d be perfectly happy with Lewis, too, but he’s not much younger than Craig, and would be a sight closer to 50 than 40 by the time he reported to M. That’s getting a bit old even to flirt with Miss Moneypenny, let alone jump on and off moving trains.

Set to leave? Daniel Craig is expecting to leave the Bond franchise after Spectre

Watch Daniel Craig as Bond in steamy new trailer for Spectre

If the bookies’ lists are anything to go by, behind Lewis and Elba as the next likeliest Bond is the currently ubiquitous Tom Hardy, followed by Michael Fassbender. Aidan Turner, otherwise known as the smouldering Ross Poldark, is a 50/1 shot, along with Benedict Cumberbatch and another Homeland alumnus, Rupert Friend. He’d be good.

My own choice, though, would be 32-year-old Dan Stevens (currently 14/1). He’ll have to learn to manoeuvre cars better than he did as ill-fated Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, and poor old Matthew was undoubtedly a bit wet, but he’s the right age, with good looks and abundant charm. And in last year’s thriller The Guest, daft film though it was, he exhibited the requisite psychopathic streak, too. 

Outsider: Downton Abbey's Dan Steven is suave enough to play Bond, if he bulks up a bit

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3132189/The-Men-d-Bond-BRIAN-VINER-looks-possible-successors-007-role.html#ixzz3eH9YntnK
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Photos: Naomie , Idris and Jasmin Le Bon at La Maison Remy Martin

Naomie and Idris have a reunion over a brandy at La Maison Rémy Martin in London.

Suits you! Naomie Harris goes braless in plunging blazer and two-tone trousers for launch of new pop-up members club

By JESSICA EARNSHAW FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 08:30, 25 November 2014 | UPDATED: 11:23, 25 November 2014

Finding the right balance between sexy and sophisticated can often be tricky, however Naomie Harris made it look effortless when she stepped out on Monday evening.

The Bond girl left her bra at home for the launch of new pop-up members only club, La Maison Rémy Martin in London.

With her tresses worn up in a relaxed 'do, the 38-year-old set pulses racing with her plunging outfit before reuniting with her Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom co-star Idris Elba. 

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How low can you go? Naomie Harris looked stunning as she arrived at the La Maison Rémy Martin launch party on Monday evening

The beauty stood out from the crowd in her black blazer, which was teamed with a pair of two-tone ankle-grazing trousers, complete with orange hem.

Elongating her already lengthy pins with elegant strappy heels, Naomie added just a simple silver chain to her ensemble.

However the Skyfall star made sure to give her classic look some edge with thanks to a printed clutch bag.

Turning heads: The actress caught up with Yasmin Le Bon at the capital's newest members club

Plunging: The 38-year-old went braless under her black jacket, which she teamed with a matching pair of trousers, complete with orange hem

Naomie was seen chatting to Yasmin Le Bon while Idris, 42, looked dapper in a grey jumper, jeans and dark leather shoes.

The 28 Days Later actress looked upbeat after tweeting at the weekend to say: 'Was anyone else totally wiped out this weekend? I couldn't stop sleeping! Apparently it was the change of seasons affecting us all!'

The star recently finished filming Our Kind of Traitor opposite her on-screen love interest Ewan McGregor. 

Stand out: The James Bond beauty polished off her attire with eye-catching clutch and a relaxed up 'do

Naomie Harris promotes Mandela with Idris Elba in Toronto

The thriller – an adaptation of the 2010 novel by John Le Carre - was shot in Paris and is expected to be released next year.

Susanna White’s new film will see the couple in the middle of Russian oligarch Dmitri ‘Dima’ Vladimirovich Krasnov’s plan to defect after he reaches out to Perry, believing him to be a British spy.

Their involvement with the billionaire money launderer puts them in a precarious position when they are caught between the British Secret Service and the Russian mafia. 

Reunion: Naomie's former Mandela co-star Idris Elba was also in attendance, where he looked dapper in a grey jumper and jeans

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2848437/Naomie-Harris-goes-braless-plunging-blazer-two-tone-trousers-launch-new-pop-members-club.html#ixzz3K5hUBoSn

25.11.14

Naomie Harris In Alexander McQueen – La Maison Remy Martin Members Club Launch Party

I was delighted to see Naomie Harris back on the red carpet again for the launch of La Maison Rémy Martin members club on Monday (November 24) in London, England.

The British actress was looking very sharp wearing an Alexander McQueen classic tuxedo jacket updated with a contoured, feminine shape.

Working the look sans blouse for a more sultry vibe to this mannish offering, I’m not usually a fan of ankle-swinging trousers, but the red colour block gives this piece a new dimension and totally helps win me over.

Styled with Bionda Castana ‘Alexandra’ pointy pumps and Bee Goddess jewels, the look was pulled effortlessly together with a red, black and white McQueen clutch.

One for the BDOTW list, methinks.

You can buy Naomie’s Alexander McQueen Contrast Cuff Trousers from Saks.com.

Credit: Getty