David Oyelowo Is Open To Being Cast As The First Black James Bond

Daniel Craig, the best James Bond we’ve ever had, is set to retire after Bond 25, the next movie in the franchise. Since the announcement, there have been arguments for and against casting a person of colour to replace him, and actors like Idris Elba and John Boyega have been mentioned.

Well, another impressive black actor with incredible range has now potentially thrown his hat into the ring. In a recent interview with The Times, British-Nigerian actor, David Oyelowo said that he’s open to being cast in the iconic role.

(Photo: The Hollywood Reporter)

He believes that being cast as the first black James Bond would “expand horizons”, and he actually plans to discuss the role with Bond franchise producer, Barbara Broccoli:

“The significance of someone like me playing a role like James Bond is not lost on me. It is going to be something that will expand horizons.

One of the most beautiful things I have seen in America on Halloween is white kids running around in Black Panther costumes.

I did not have a superhero to identify with growing up on a council estate in Islington. It was all Superman. That these things are very important is not lost on me.”

While Oyelowo’s odds of landing the gig are low, it wouldn’t be his first involvement with the role. In 2015, he voiced 007 in the audiobook version of Trigger Mortis, an official Bond book written by Anthony Horowitz, and commissioned by the estate of late James Bond creator, Ian Fleming.

More importantly, his voice casting was a direct invitation from the Ian Fleming estate, and the actor said he was “very honoured” to be chosen for the part. It was only a voice role, but it was a start and now, we are keeping our fingers crossed that he is actually giving a shot on the big screen.