James Bond author Anthony Horowitz issues international apology

Idris-Elba

Promo still for Oude Meester Brandy commercial featuring Idris Elba

It's been a pretty bad day for James Bond author Anthony Horowtiz after he got universally panned following his comments about Idris Elba.

In a not so subtle interview with the Daily Mail, the author said that Elba was too "street" and not "suave" enough to play Bond. He even went further to insult the fans of 'Skyfall' by saying that it was his least favourite movie and that Bond was "weak" in it.

As you might imagine, Idris Elba was defended by almost everyone leading to a somewhat required apology from the author's official account:

"I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn't my intention. 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."

The author's apology was well received despite the backlash while his comments have dramatically increased the international attention and demand for Idris Elba to play the role of James Bond.

We now wait to see what happens following the release of 'Spectre' and whether Idris Elba will be announced as the next Bond. After today, it's pretty hard to see why not.

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