License to meme: Social media mocks racist reactions to latest Idris Elba-as-Bond rumors
After much speculation, Daniel Craig signed up for his fifth go-round as James Bond earlier this year, announcing that he’d be teaming with Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) on a sequel set to debut in theaters in November 2019. Despite Craig’s return, however, speculation has been rampant about who will subsequently assume the 007 mantle, with fans diligently petitioning series producers to make a bold choice by selecting Idris Elba as the next incarnation of the iconic British spy. This week a new report indicated that such casting may actually take place — and the response on Twitter has been especially pointed.
As one might expect, many have reacted to this news with less-than-tolerant online comments, given that Elba is black and Bond has historically been white. Rather than simply engaging with those trolls, though, more than a few fans have used this potential casting news to joke about the racist treatment an Elba Bond might actually face — all as a way to both turn the tables on those who might object to his participation because of his skin color and to simultaneously address heated issues that remain front and center in contemporary society.
Let's get this out of the way:
-They'll name Idris Elba the new 007
-500 losers on a planet of 7 billion will be like waaaahh Bond can't be black
-This will generate 1000 articles
-The movie will make money and people will enjoy it
WE CAN JUST SKIP THE MIDDLE PART PEOPLE
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) August 10, 2018
He’ll have trouble driving the Astin Martin though our racist police will keep pulling him over
— woody100 (@woody10014) August 10, 2018
"What's your name, sir?"
"Bond. James Bond."
"And do you have ID?"
"Yes, here, but can you please explain why you pulled me over?"
"WHOA. He's getting a little aggressive — we may need backup." https://t.co/UzIKtpp1JJ
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) August 10, 2018
— Andy Stewart 💫 (@AndyStewart__) August 10, 2018
Q will definitely design a gadget that'll make him appear as a white man in khakis and a polo
— [REDACTED]? (@quasirealSmiths) August 10, 2018
Black James Bond enters luxury casino:
*All CCTVs pan in unison, two security guards follow, the card-dealer gives him "the look" and the server asks for proof of ID and credit before letting him order a Martini. Someone calls the police.*
No one discovers he's James Bond.
— Flightbae?? (@justcallmeBABA) August 10, 2018
Coming to a theater near you: James Bond attempts to barbecue while wearing a 🇵🇷 T-shirt and also selling water bottles, he’s forced to battle bigoted villains: Permit Patty, BBQ Becky, and unnamed old drunk guy yelling racial slurs and screaming Merica’ #JamesBond #IdrisElba
— Nico (@NotthatQueenB) August 10, 2018
Others, meanwhile, have simply anticipated — and decried — the racist backlash that would likely follow any such announcement.
Wait wait wait let me drain my pool to accommodate all the racist tears https://t.co/sw9RnBnmJY
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) August 10, 2018
racists, please just get your "idris elba can't be james bond!!!" garbage out of the way now, it's boring I'm already bored of it
— Dana Schwartz (@DanaSchwartzzz) August 10, 2018
Racist Twitter reacting to the news about Idris Elba possibly playing James Bond. pic.twitter.com/5WM7cytFZb
— OhNoSheTwitnt (@OhNoSheTwitnt) August 10, 2018
Seems that in order for Idris Elba to play Bond it’s gonna take a lotta white folks abandoning a lifetime of subconsciously looking down at black people as either an other or as inherently less than… Folks got A LOTTA work to do… #ThursdayThoughts
— Cyrus McQueen (@CyrusMMcQueen) August 9, 2018
No matter the outcry, moviegoers seem largely convinced that Elba could handle the martini-loving role — and perhaps a few others while he’s at it.
Idris Elba should be Bond, Bourne, MacGyver, Jack Reacher, Flo from Progressive, ALF, the voice of Alexa and the permanent KFC colonel.
— Alex Baze (@bazecraze) August 10, 2018
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