Idris Elba, 53, said in an interview with British GQ that he felt the traditionally white James Bond character, from the novels penned by Ian Fleming, should not be swapped for a black male. He made the comments as rumors have swirled about the possibility that the action star may be cast in the role himself.

“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” he told British GQ. “James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world. And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”

The British actor, who has starred in Marvel, DC, and Fast Furious films, also cautioned against tuning the film to fit an agenda. “Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” Elba warned. “I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try to answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”

The race for the next Bond has been heating up. As auditions have officially started, according to Variety, a host of names have been floated to fill the role, including Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Denis Villeneuve, 58, who will be directing the projected film, also directed the successful Dune series starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

Variety also reports that Villeneuve is looking for someone younger to step into Bond’s shoes. This is exemplified by the audition of 26-year-old Tom Francis, who has already auditioned for the starring role.

Villeneuve is aiming for a 2028 release date for the highly anticipated film, according to Deadline. Villeneuve also confirmed that the actor will be male, in alignment with the character as written by Ian Fleming, and will also be from the British Isles.

The last Bond movie, No Time to Die, was released in 2021, starred English actor Daniel Craig, and grossed $774.1 million worldwide per Box Office Mojo.