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James Bond author apologizes for Idris Elba 'street' remark

Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan voiced his support for Elba in a recent interview.

By Annie Martin
Idris Elba at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 4, 2014. James Bond author Anthony Horowitz said the British actor is 'too street' to play 007. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 5 | Idris Elba at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 4, 2014. James Bond author Anthony Horowitz said the British actor is 'too street' to play 007. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

LONDON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- UPDATE:

James Bond author Anthony Horowitz has apologized for his recent comments about Idris Elba.

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The 60-year-old English writer issued an apology Tuesday on Twitter after fans took offense at Horowitz saying Elba is "too street" to play 007 in the James Bond film series.

"I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence," he wrote. "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," he said. "I am mortified to have caused offence."

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James Bond author Anthony Horowitz doesn't think Idris Elba would be right for the role.

The 60-year-old English writer said as much of the 42-year-old actor in an interview with the Daily Mail. Elba has been rumored to take over the film series from Daniel Craig, but Horowitz told the publication there's other stars he'd rather see as 007.

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"Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors, [such as Adrian Lester], who would do it better," he opined. "For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It's not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

The James Bond books are controlled by original writer Ian Fleming's estate, while the movies are owned by Eon Productions. Speculation about Elba comes amid word the upcoming film Spectre may be Craig's last movie as the character.

"I don't know," Craig recently told Esquire of his future with the franchise. "I really don't know. Honestly. I'm not trying to be coy. At the moment I can't even conceive it ... At this moment, no, [I wouldn't like to do another]. I have a life and I've got to get on with it a bit. But we'll see."

Spectre will mark Craig's fourth film as James Bond, and opens in theaters Nov. 6. Horowitz, meanwhile, will release his first 007 novel, Trigger Mortis, on Sept. 8. He is also known for the Sherlock Holmes books The House of Silk and Moriarty.

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