Idris Elba Reacts to 007 'Street' Comment

— -- How did Idris Elba respond to James Bond author Anthony Horowitz’s statement that he’s “too street” to play 007?

He just kept smiling.

“Always Keep Smiling!! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!! #septemberstillloveyou,” he wrote on Instagram.

Several days ago, Horowitz gave an interview in which he rejected the idea of Elba, 42, playing Bond.

"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a color issue," he told the Daily Mail. "I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

The comment resulted in backlash against Horowitz on social media, and he subsequently issued an apology. In a contrite tweet, Horowitz explained that he was thinking of Elba’s gritty detective role in the BBC series "Luther" when he made the “street” remark.

"I am mortified to have caused offence," he added.