Idris Elba As James Bond? Didn’t Happen. That’s Why I Created Montgomery Vale

A Black James Bond?

It wasn’t that long ago that Daniel Craig announced to the world that he would no longer play the infamous skirt-chaser/international spy, James 007 Bond. Shortly after, there was a groundswell of support for Idris Elba to take over the role.

Unfortunately, it never happened.

Why? Was it because the world was not ready for a black James Bond? Or was it because the franchise wasn’t ready? Who knows. But the idea of a black super spy really intrigued me. However, I write historical novels because I love to create characters out of certain time-periods. That was when I decided to set my “black James Bond” in the 1930s.

Suave, debonair gentleman detective, Montgomery Vale was born.

Montgomery Vale isn’t a carbon copy of James Bond… far from it. In fact, the only things they have in common are that they are thrown into impossible situations, involved in international espionage incidents, they think on their feet, and they are not deterred when the going gets rough.

Bond carries a gun. Vale carries a tricked-out cane.

Montgomery Vale’s backstory: His father was bi-racial and his mother, African-American. His father was an Accountant, and his mother helped with the business. Both parents were killed in a car accident when Montgomery was ten-years-old. He was then sent to England to live with his grandfather; a wealthy, aristocratic gentlemen.

Vale’s grandfather did not raise his own son, (Montgomery’s father,) and reveled in the opportunity to raise his grandson. It was in this environment where Montgomery thrived.

I hope you’ll have the opportunity to pick up one of the Montgomery Vale books and let me know if you think Idris Elba would be a great choice to play him!

Comments and drools welcome!