After the reboot Bond was decided to have been born late 60s. After the reboot there wasn't (and never will be) any half convincing reason why Bond should be white. The cinematic character was never racist and those who think he is are projecting something. That the Craig fanboys so easily accepted a black Felix Leiter further makes me think these people may actually be real racists: it's ok for them to have a black as beta male, just not the top guy. It was never about the literary origins to them.

This is such a bullsht and asinine thread. There should NOT be a black Bond solely for the sake of having a black Bond, but the role should simply go to the actor best to portray the character. If that actor happens to be black, so be it.

>>1
Hear, hear!

In anycase, I always assumed that the movie Bond is a codename given to MI6's best agent, just like M. So he could be of any ethnicity.

>>3
James Bond is real name and not a code name, M is just short for Master, how the black would love that a black bond told what to do by M.

>>1
I have to agree with the >>1, well said Anon

This is such a bullsht and asinine thread. There should NOT be a black Bond solely for the sake of having a black Bond, but the role should simply go to the actor best to portray the character. If that actor happens to be black, so be it.

This.

Sadly I think if there is a black Bond it will most likely be for the former reason and not the latter.

"Best actor" sounds noble, easy to come up with excuses if the skin tone is "too black."

I'm not for a female Bond. I'm not even for someone who is decidedly different from tall, dark and handsome. I'm saying the skin color shouldn't matter and make no excuse about it.

>>7
So you want to call others racist, but it ok for you to be sexist?

Salient post. I wish they'd scrap the reboot though. They got rid of any reason for Bond even existing at all.

Ask somebody who calls for a black Spiderman or black James Bond if they'd be OK with a white Lando Calrissian or white Shaft and see what they say.

I think each character should be considered independently. In fact it should be obvious. You can make a case for Shaft having to be black. I don't care. It has nothing to do with the rebooted Bond.

We live in a world where black people are oppressed on the basis of their skin color, and where good roles in film and tv for black actors is a lot harder to find. White people don't have these problems. Considering this, characters that are established as black probably shouldn't be whitewashed, so to speak. It's not a simple 1 to 1 comparison.

>>12
And how many white actors work in Nollywood or Bollywood? none.

No one wants to see a nignog Bond.

For one thing, nogs are way to stupid to be a double knot spy, since they have the IQ of a chimp.

Epic fail.

Next question, dummies?

>>14
↑ Typical /newpol/er who is "deeply concerned about immigration". ↑

>>15
typical troll wanting attention.

>>15
Don't think so. He's a serious poster, who just happens to be a stupid Nazi. There's plenty of them about.

No because then we'll inevitably have a black or brown Bond girl, and it'll probably be Zoe Kravitz.

There already has been Halle Berry and Naomie Harris others I'm probably forgetting.

I don't tolerate blacks around me, and I won't in the films I watch, Sony wanting to cast a Black person as James Bond will be the end of the franchise.

No. James Bond is a white guy.

(Note to the more stupid people on here - the above comment doesn't make me racist.)

No it doesn't.

If you are a big BOND fan your opinion is valid. Personally he just has to be British ( or play/act perfect britsh)and play THE part well

(Note to the more stupid people on here - the above comment doesn't make me racist.)

Actually, yes, it does.

>>23
Go on then. Explain.

>>24
There is nothing about James Bond's character that necessarily demands that he be played by a white actor. "James Bond" is a pretty generic/race neutral name, and could therefore be played by anyone who can be convincing as a British secret agent.

But to get to my point... Personally, I don't care what race James Bond is, but if you strongly oppose him being played by a black person, you're racist. There's really no way around it. What other reason could there be? Saying, "James Bond is white", as if that's some kind of universal truth, isn't a defense. He's a made up character, and if at some point they change how that character is portrayed, then so be it. It's no big deal. And if you're the sort of person who would get really upset about his race changing, then chances are, you're racist, because, after all, it's just a silly spy story. It falls right into that "there goes the neighborhood" mentality, where you might say you have nothing against black people, you just don't want them "taking over" your street. And that's racist.

Look. I kind of get what you are saying. But some are very into The cannon of films, books, etc.

It doesn't bother me in the slightest he just has to play a British spy. And this day and age we probably have plenty anyway.

Films move on and evolve. As this already has done with Craig's portrayal. So my thinking is on your lines. But I am not GOING to call the lad racist just because he believes bond Should be white. I disagree though.

I think a major problem is the lack of black actors about that could play the part that would guaranteed a box office success. Only Idris has the age (only just) and popularity. The producers would have to go with an unknown by US audiences and at the end of the day it's about the bottom line (profit).

I once saw a play with a multi-racial cast where as one character in the story aged she was played by actresses of different races at different times throughout the play. And it worked perfectly! Now, I realize that the stage and the screen aren't exactly the same thing, and I probably wouldn't recommend casting multiple actors to play James Bond in one film, but from film to film, if he's played by people of different races, who gives a crap? There's really no reason to oppose it unless you're racist.

Quoting from two different posts here:

Personally, I don't care what race James Bond is, but if you strongly oppose him being played by a black person, you're racist. I oppose to the idea, but not strongly, so you won't see me on the streets shouting about it. Am I racist?

...if he's played by people of different races, who gives a crap? There's really no reason to oppose it unless you're racist. Habit?

I'd like to think all the people in this thread will agree that white people are no better or worse than black people. When it comes to Bond, however, some of us have a preference for one race over another. By that definition, we are racists in a way, but isn't that missing the point a little? By saying this, I risk falling into silly semantics to counter your point of view, but wouldn't it be more appropriate to call us traditionalists or something? What I'm trying to say is, we don't care about race, we're just used to the look of a white Bond (apologies if I'm misrepresenting someone).

Of course, you could argue that, a few centuries ago, those who thought black people should only be slaves could have used the same excuse of being used to things being a certain way, but here we're talking about a fictional character that has had a certain look over the years. I think there's a difference.

"Traditionalist" and "racist" are pretty much the same thing in this context. The impulse to maintain the status quo at the expense of racial progress is a form of racism, even if your personal motivation isn't an overt hatred of black people. Being in a position where you'd rather things just stay as they are "because you're used to it" is a byproduct of class privilege. People who are oppressed don't have that luxury.

What I'm trying to say is, yes, it's still racism if you oppose it, even if your motivation is just some idea of "tradition."

>>29
It's people like you who keep racism alive with the whole why isn't there been a black Bond or why hasn't been there been a black terminator.

>>30
I hope that one day you come to understand how little sense this statement makes.

is everything so 'black and white' ;)

>>29
How does it make him racist ? what about the blacks complaining over Cleopatra being white are blacks then racist when they complain? because Cleopatra was white no-matter how much the blacks complain!

http://madamenoire.com/435296/black-twitter-comes-for-angelina-jolie/

Black people are oppressed and discriminated against on the basis of their skin color. White people aren't, and therefore your hypothetical isn't a 1 to 1 comparison. Whitewashing established black roles, where there are very few good roles for black actors to begin with, is a harmful thing. But there's no harm in James Bond being played by a black actor. Well, aside from the usual misogyny and imperialism of course.

Your position would make sense if we actually lived in a post-racial world, but we don't. Racial discrimination is still going strong, and therefore black people would have a perfectly valid reason to complain about a black role being turned white. White people don't really have any legitimate ground to stand on though, since the vast majority of good roles in film are played by white actors.

But for over 50 years the character of Bond has been white so we have a right to complain and we're not racist for it.

I'm not sure you heard a word I said...

There have been plenty of good roles for blacks and they do get the chance to break through so I don't know what your saying.

so I don't know what your saying.

That's quite obvious.

James Bond is a white guy.

Is he more a white guy than a black hair guy ? Or a brown eye guy ? (It is a real question, I never read any book nor watched all the movies).

If the movie is set in 2016, is the phenotype color of the skin more important than the phenotype color of the hair ?

What part of is personnality or how the world interact with him would not work with a black actor in a modern setting ?

No. When I watched the Dream Team play at the 92 Olympics, I didn't stop and say "you know, this team is great! But you know what would make them better? More white players!" because the best option was mostly all black players. Taking stuff meant for a certain look, and changing it to fit PC quotas does not fly.

Depends on the actor--I'm with Twitter, if it's Idris Elba I'm there with bells on.

I just can't understand the idea that Idris Elba is a good actor and would be a good Bond.

He's yet to impress me.

As to the OP, I'm not in favor of a black Bond, but I'm sure there are a couple of actors that could pull off (Denzel , Cheadle or Micheal Ealy are some good examples).

Yes. I would prefer they pick the best actor for the role. If that actor isn't white, then so be it. I can say that I'm probably not prepared for a non-British Bond, though. I won't buy it if it's Chris Pine as James Bond.

Well, we've already had one non-British Bond (Lazenby, whose home town in Australia is about a 40-minute bike ride from where I am now).

Okay, sure, I didn't much care for Lazenby, and nobody did, but that's beside the point. I'll accept a non-British actor provided I'm not asked to accept a non-British Bond. So long as the actor is convincingly English - or Scottish - on screen, that's fine by me.

I think the opposition to a Black Bond is a response to the idiocy of people clamouring for it. (Anyone demanding that Bond be black, anyone suggesting it's somehow a good thing per se, is only making matters worse. Shut up, please, all of you.)

Bond has to be British, of course, but beyond that, when we accept or reject a Bond we're doing so on the basis of a particular actor. It's okay if the right actor emerges and he's black. On the other hand, it's also okay if the next one or two or twenty right actors happen to be white. Let nature take its course.

I'd be more interested in a female Bond.

You might be a racist and not even know if ... you ask questions like this.

Only if they remake Beverly Hills Cop with a white man.

I don't know. When it comes to vampire films or zombie films, I just say it's a new take on their respective sub-genres and welcome the idea of new concepts. But I always think of Bond as Sean Connery.

Yes, but only if he wears a white tuxedo.

I don't have a problem as long as he's played by a good actor and means not Idris Ebola.

I don't care who it is as long as they're good ie not Brosnan or that other 80s dullard whose name I can't recall offhand. And unlike people who spend every waking moment obsessing about race, I have never thought about anon's perceived beta or non-beta status. Also not being 12 years old and brain-damaged, so such concepts are of no interest to me.

dont have a problem with a black bond, Just dont understand why everyone wants edris elba ? he isnt exactly suave , and if your going to do a serious tough James bond why would you change Craig? I think Colin Salmon would of been a better choice if he was a bit younger.

Generally speaking, I hate the James Bond franchise. He represents a particularly offensive brand of misogyny and imperialism, and really, if I were to write a spy thriller it would be people like him who are portrayed as the villains, rather than the heroes.

But that said, there's really no reason why James Bond couldn't be portrayed by a black actor, and I believe if someone has a serious opposition to that idea... they're racist, period. If a black James Bond would really piss you off, you're a racist idiot.

What's your opinion on Twilight?

Twilight is terrible, and sets black women back decades.

I'm an old fashioned woman so you're barking up the wrong tree here...

Anyway, I've never seen more people pissed off over glitter.
Some of the Bond fanatics may be the same.......

The glitter was the least of that film's problems.

I'm an old fashioned woman so you're barking up the wrong tree here...

Sure, why not?

You're a revolutionary communist that can't see past politics so I'm sure.

As one I'm sure you won't quit the tactics long enough to get my point.

But for the same reason vamp fans bitch endlessly about glitter
there will be Bond fans that will bitch about a black (or American) Bond.

Incidentally, I don't plan to contribute anything else to this thread so I'm going to ask here: was Shack suppose to be the black answer to Bond or the American answer to Bond? Or not remotely close. I'm not too knowledgeable on the topic.

So far you haven't actually made any sort of a point at all. you just asked me if I liked Twilight, and I said no, and then you said you were old fashioned. Am I missing something, or was there more to it than that?

If the movie is set now I don't see the problem, being white is not part of that character, is it ?

If the movie is set in the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, than maybe it would change the character too much.

I don't want a black Bond simply because I'm used to seeing a white Bond. To provide a comparison that's not about race, seeing a black Bond would be like if Indiana Jones stopped wearing his leather jacket and started dressing like Rick O'Connell.

That said, if Bond eventually is played by a black actor, I'll get used to it. I've been on board with the Bond films for quite a while, so I won't quit for something that's ultimately of little consequence.

If there is one it should be Idris Elba, pretty good article on it here - http://thirdactfilm.com/idris-elba-play-james-bond/

Yes why not. What we need is a good James Bond film with a black actor as the lead role why not.

I'd be up for a Chinese Bond.

Why not just compromise and make him biracial? You could have Vin Diesel play him, and the epic lulz would ensue from his attempt at a British accent.

You could have asked "Are you a clueless white goofball that NEVER interacts with minorities but like to pretend you're enlightened" and the answers would have been exactly the same.

Instead of thinking you're a sjw for pontificating about a black Bond maybe you silly kids could actually try interacting with some black folks. Despite what you think they are not that scary. Of course for most libs it would require leaving your nice safe all white gated community and travelling several hundred miles to whatever city your blue state or socialist country segregates minorities to but imagine the stories you would have for your friends.

Wow calm down what's your problem brah ? Nobody wants a black Bond because hes been white for 53 years. And where did you conclude that we're all rich folk or come from money and that we haven't spoken with a black person ?

The way i see it... James Bond has been established as a white guy for 50+ years now. this should not change.

skin color aside... is it possible for a black actor to have the suave/toughness that the Bond character is? ; sure.

for me personally... i would rather them keep em white because that's the way things been for ages now. but... i would be more concerned with the movie quality over the whole white/black thing though as it's not like i would suddenly stop watching the Bond movies if they had a black actor playing Bond even though it would be kind of hard to see past it since Bond is too affiliated with a white guy.

in the end... i can't see them taking a risk anytime soon because Bond is a huge name franchise and going with a black Bond could potentially damage the $$$. i assume they probably figure why take the risk when what you been doing has been working for 50+ years now.

Who cares? Why does it matter?

I'm all for anything that makes stupid people angry. That being said, as of 2004, I've been the founding member of the 'Chiwetel Ejiofor as Bond Society,' or CE_ABS.

Black Einstein?
Black Tesla?
Black Edison?

Yeah, sure thing dummies.
Not going to happen.

Black IQ's are way too low, which is why they, as a race of dummies, have accomplished little to nothing in the history of the world - other than peanut butter.

Black football player?

Yes, that is possible.

Get a clue.

I'm going to catch a lot of flack for this, but I don't think there should be a new Bond at all. Create a new character instead.

No.

What's wrong with creating a brand new spy franchise around a black British actor? Why does a well established character like Bond need to be retro-fitted for purposes of political correctness?

When Tom Cruise wanted to be Bond and couldn't because of his nationality he found a spy franchise that he could mold into his own Bond-like series, Mission: Impossible. It worked. And if we're going to have a black Bond, why not an Indian Bond, Chinese Bond, disabled Bond, homosexual Bond, female Bond or transgender Bond? Are these people not interesting enough, or is this whole concept just a result of idiots having a massive hard-on for Idris Elba, since he's the only name that keep cropping up (and Elba is pretty much the black Clive Owen; a painfully mediocre actor adored for basically one great performance).

Are black actors so worthless that they can't carry their own franchise unless they're slotted into one that's existed for fifty years? That seems to be the suggestion.

Personally I think it's more insensitive to offer scraps from the white man's table than to embrace a culturally specific black-British spy franchise, but hey, the kids today are all about the "brand", and less about innovation.

I mean, how's that female version of Ghostbusters working out?

Well, I'll say it again. I don't think a skin color should matter. That's all I'm saying. This isn't a political issue, a simple acknowledgement someone's pigmentation should not matter. Some other things do matter and I don't pretend they don't. Nobody should (of course they can but nobody should feel they should accept some kind of package deal in all things "progressive" just because someone else, who might not care about racial equality at all, claims they should).

Sure,

The race of Bond is not important to the character.

I have no preference on the matter of the subject. Bond can be black, as long as he's still good.

Yes, because British people can be black too.

Idris Elba would be my top choice; he's suave in Luther and has some serious acting chops.

Complaining that Bond being black wouldn't be canon is like complaining that Bond not being a Cold War spy wouldn't be canon (something which he hasn't been for quite a while, and is something actually far more essential to his character than the colour of his skin.)

Actually, no, it wouldn't. Bond is no longer a Cold War spy because the Cold War is over. He would obviously continue to live and work. But people don't simply change the color of their skin.

Oh, so he doesn't age a jot for over half a century, yet you can't accept if he has the power to change the colour of his skin. Okay then.

Why is this topic brought up so much in the last couple days? Besides, if they were to go with the idea that James Bond is just and alias and 007 is a specific rank designation for that particular agent...maybe they can bring in a Black actor, but Bond has been established as the same guy all this time and its a white dude, so unless this reboot would open up the idea that James Bond/007 changes from agent to agent its best to keep him as is...until the next white guy gets hired for the role.

Bond has always been white, so no a black Bond wouldn't make sense.