Idris Elba Is Not English Enough to Play James Bond, Roger Moore Says

Idris Elba rocks a red tie while shooting scenes for his hit show Luther on Friday (March 27) in London, England.

While the 42-year-old English actor is working on Luther, he is also in talks to star as a villain in the upcoming Star Trek 3 film.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Idris Elba

Former James Bond actor Roger Moore, who starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985, recently shared his thoughts on Idris as a possible choice to play the 007 agent in the future.

“A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!’ Roger shared to Paris Match magazine.

He added, “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.”

After facing much backlash for his comments, Roger wrote on Twitter, “An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation.”

10+ pictures inside of Idris Elba filming Luther…