Sir Roger Moore has denied accusations of racism, over comments he is thought to have made in a French magazine interview about the prospect of Idris Elba playing James Bond in the future.
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Idris has been widely tipped to take over the role of 007 when Daniel Craig eventually steps down from the role, which would make him the first black actor in the franchise's history to play Bond.
However, Roger - who starred in seven 'James Bond' films - has suggested it would be "unrealistic" for Idris to take on the part.
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Sir Roger Moore
Speaking to Paris Match magazine, he explains: "Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'.
"Nevertheless it's an interesting idea… but unrealistic."
He also says: "A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!"
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Idris Elba
The veteran actor has now come under fire on social media for his comments, particularly in light of the fact that Idris was born and raised in London's East End.
Taking to his Twitter on Saturday afternoon, Roger wrote that the comments he made to the magazine had been "lost in translation", insisting that he is not "racist".
Last year, leaked emails from Sony suggested that Idris was top of producers' wish-lists to play James Bond in the future - news which received a noticeably mixed reaction from some parties.
Former 'Bond' actor Pierce Brosnan has also weight in on the debate, claiming that he would like to see Idris in the role.
Idris himself had his say following the controversy back in December, after having been pretty vocal about his desire to play Bond "if the role were offered to him".
SEE MORE:
Idris has been widely tipped to take over the role of 007 when Daniel Craig eventually steps down from the role, which would make him the first black actor in the franchise's history to play Bond.
However, Roger - who starred in seven 'James Bond' films - has suggested it would be "unrealistic" for Idris to take on the part.
Speaking to Paris Match magazine, he explains: "Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'.
"Nevertheless it's an interesting idea… but unrealistic."
He also says: "A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!"
The veteran actor has now come under fire on social media for his comments, particularly in light of the fact that Idris was born and raised in London's East End.
Idris Elba was born and raised in London how can he not be 'English English'?
— ¿ (@Bouji_boy) March 28, 2015Can't believe that Alan Partridge has said Idris Elba can't be Bond. Oh wait, I mean Roger Moore
— James Brown (@brownjamez) March 28, 2015Idris Elba can't be James bond because he ain't "English English" Fall back on the racism and let a black man do what he loves please...
— Hakeem (@haychpowell) March 28, 2015Wow fuck Roger Moore, Idris Elba would make the best James Bond ever
— Marley (@marleybennett) March 28, 2015So Idris Elba shouldn't be the next James Bond because he's not English English? I've never heard such nonesense #rogermoore #racism
— Steph Janine (@StephieJanine) March 28, 2015Roger Moore was an absolutely shite 007, he can't say anything about Idris Elba who'd be an amazing James Bond
— Samuel Goodall (@NotSamGoodall) March 28, 2015Taking to his Twitter on Saturday afternoon, Roger wrote that the comments he made to the magazine had been "lost in translation", insisting that he is not "racist".
An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation.
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) March 28, 2015Last year, leaked emails from Sony suggested that Idris was top of producers' wish-lists to play James Bond in the future - news which received a noticeably mixed reaction from some parties.
Former 'Bond' actor Pierce Brosnan has also weight in on the debate, claiming that he would like to see Idris in the role.
Idris himself had his say following the controversy back in December, after having been pretty vocal about his desire to play Bond "if the role were offered to him".
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