Casting a black actor as Bond does seem more likely, says the former 007

(Reuters/Danny Moloshok)

In an interview with Details, former 007 Pierce Brosnan weighed in on the fraught James Bond identity wars, saying that while he could picture a gay Bond (or as he put it, “sure, why not?”) he doesn’t see it happening anytime soon.

“Actually, I don’t know how it would work,” he continued.

“I don’t think Barbara [Broccoli, the longstanding “James Bond” producer] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime.

But it would certainly make for interesting viewing.”

Rather, Brosnan thinks it is more likely that we’ll live to see a black actor embodying the iconic secret agent, alluding to the longstanding rumors that “Wire” and “Luther” star Idris Elba is next in line for the role.

“Let’s start with a great black actor being James Bond. Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence,” said Brosnan. “But I think Daniel [Craig] will be there for a while yet.”