Idris Elba is ‘too street’ to play 007, says James Bond author

He thinks the actor isn't 'suave' enough

Idris Elba as Stringer Bell in 'The Wire' (HBO)

Author Anthony Horowitz has weighed in on the casting of James Bond after Daniel Craig exits the franchise, saying he does not think bookies' favourite Idris Elba is right for the part, though he insists “it’s not a colour issue”.

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

Voices: Idris Elba shouldn't play Bond, but not because he's 'too street' - it's beneath him

He thought Daniel Craig was “terrific”, enjoyed Casino Royale’s “gritty” style, but thought Skyfall made Bond seem “weak” (though many saw this as a good thing narrative-wise).

"Quantum of Solace just went wrong. Skyfall is my least favourite. I know it is heresy to say so, but it is the one Bond film I have never liked,” he said.

“Bond is weak in it. He has doubts. That's not Bond.

"Secondly, the villain wins. The villain sets out to kill M. The film finishes with the villain killing M. So why have I watched it?

"And if you have to protect the head of MI6 from a madman, do you take her to a Scottish farmhouse with no weapons? And tell your bad guy where you are, so he will arrive with six people to kill her? … It's that sort of thing that made me angry."

The next James Bond film Spectre will begin 007’s origin story, and hits cinemas on 6 November, 2015.