David Oyelowo has become the first black actor to play James Bond — in audiobook form, at least. After appearing as Martin Luther King to much acclaim in the film Selma, the 39-year-old will portray 007 and other characters in a recording of Trigger Mortis, a new Bond novel by Anthony Horowitz
David Oyelowo is to narrate the audiobook edition of the forthcoming official James Bond novel Trigger Mortis. Other U.K. acting talents who have narrated 007 adventures include Dominic West, Kenneth Branagh, Hugh Bonneville, Tom Hiddleston and Rosamund Pike. Oyelowo is best known for his work in the films The Last King of Scotland, Lincoln, Jack Reacher, The Butler and Selma.
“I was asked specifically by the (original author Ian) Fleming estate, which is really special,” he said. “I am officially the only person on planet earth who can legitimately say ‘I am the new James Bond’… even saying that name is the cinematic equivalent of doing the ‘to be or not to be’ speech.” He has form in playing a British security service agent, starring as MI5 officer Danny Hunter in the BBC spy drama Spooks. However, Oyelowo said another black British actor, Idris Elba, was “ripe” for the screen role of Bond.
“I consider it a huge honor to be asked to narrate this wonderful book. Anthony Horowitz has crafted a taut thriller with a fascinating cast of characters and stunning action sequences that I am relishing bringing to life. It is an acting challenge as exciting to me as any I have faced on stage or screen. I get to play James Bond! It doesn’t get much better than that,” Oyelowo said in a statement.
“What an honor to have an actor as talented as David to read my take on James Bond. He has a brilliant voice and talent for bringing out the nuances of dialogue and characters. He will do marvels with the audiobook of Trigger Mortis,” added Horowitz.
The Trigger Mortis audiobook will be released Sept. 8 on CD and as a digital download. Hardback and eBook editions will be available on the same day.
