Don’t shake up Bond

IT WAS a wise decision of Danny Boyle to jump ship as director of the next Bond film (Mail). A director needs total control on a film without distractions or interference by its actors or producers.

Idris Elba has made no secret of the fact that he wants to be Bond, but he would be too old by the time the part becomes available. I think he was merely the usual staged distraction by the 007 producers while they pick someone else, such as Poldark star Aidan Turner, for the role. Aged 35, he could maintain the franchise for a further decade.

However, as an avid film buff, I don’t want established characters hijacked. I don’t want to see a black Bond in the same way I wouldn’t want to see Sherlock turn into Shirley Holmes.

yes, it’s easier to reboot a successful or waning franchise rather than come up with something new, but this is lazy. I also detest the way in which history is being rewritten in films so as not to offend some people.

We need more investment in original ideas and concepts. If you want to see black or female actors in leading roles, don’t patronise them by adjusting established characters. Someone needs to invent new heroes — the success of Black Panther proves that it’s possible.

D. R. PRATTY, Sutton Coldfield, W. Mids.