That is for practical reasons. THe film has to sell and in the past, people were not keen on non white actors playing leading roles. There are also more white actors. Do I have to repeat myself?

The whole 'Bond is a character by Fleming' argument is pretty far off the mark. Almost every bond on screen has been the creation of the team behind the movies and rarely do they resemble the bond of Fleming. In fact I'd say that Craig is probably the closest in a lot of respects. Either way they clearly don't resemble the bond of the books a lot of the time.

One of the major characteristics of bond is that he was brought up in the heart of the establishment and somewhat resents it as he has been an outsider all his life. I think playing around with that idea of a black kid going to Eton in the 80s and not really fitting in with his peers etc could make quite an interesting backstory.

I'd like Hardy or Elba, I'd hate the bloke from Homeland or Tom Hiddleston as they would be boring safe choices for bond.

Jesus, James Bond is far more interesting than doctor who.

The more I think about it the more I think Tom Hardy would be a great shout.

Edited by coulsdoneagle (16 Jul 2017 8.29pm)

The role was once offered to Adam West.
It isn't an exact science. Hardly anyone reckoned Craig would be a good Bond till they saw Casino Royale.
Connery wasn't a unanimous choice.

I don't agree really.....The character of Bond has drifted off in various films...sometimes more jokey sometimes more serious... but not so much as to say it doesn't matter. Most of the time the productions do actually try.....The Connolly portrayal has had a real influence and Connolly was taking from the book.

The skin colour of Bond is something the producers could play with if they wanted. It's dramatic license and needs no more justification than that. As long as the actor warrants it that is what really matters.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

I saw Eden Lake movie on Film4 a few weeks back, one of his first performances and he was the stand out performer in that. The film was a bit depressing mind you. I've not seen Shame yet but definitely will check it out.

I agree there are some characteristics that have occurred across all bonds, the suave cool calculated and brilliant man with unbelievable game with the ladies.

But the Darker bond of the books the actual personality of the man who is a heavy drinker and smoker and has some very rough edges was completely lost for most of the films after Connery. Roger Moore bears very little resemblance in my eyes and it's almost farcical, fun movies but not really the bond of the books. Dalton was a great bond but probably a little ahead of his times. Brosnan was pretty bland. Fun for the movies but lacked depth. I really like the Craig bond. Casino royal and Skyfall in particular were great iterations. His drinking habits are a damaging coping mechanism and the rage bubbling beneath the surface of this cool exterior were really well played out by Craig.

Point is, I don't think being black or white would change a whole lot as long as the bond and the script are well written and the actor does it justice.