Idris Elba responds to '007' writer's 'too street' comments

LONDON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Actor Idris Elba took to Instagram to address recent comments from James Bond writer Anthony Horowitz who referred to him as "too street" to play the role.

Alongside a screen shot of the Daily Mail article reporting Horowitz' comments, Elba wrote "Always keep smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!!"

The Beasts of No Nation actor added the hashtag "#septemberstilllovesyou" to his message.

The author Horowitz, 60, recently apologized for calling Elba "too rough" and "too street" to play Bond.

"I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence," he wrote on Twitter. "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," he continued, "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."

In the original Daily Mail article, Horowitz said "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors, [such as Adrian Lester], who would do it better."

"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It's not a color issue," Horowitz said. "I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

Idris Elba's post responding to Anthony Horowitz' comments. Photo by idriselba/Instagram