Actor Idris Elba responds to fan speculations about him being cast as the new James Bond.

Take note that Daniel Craig is still cast in the iconic role and is set to play Bond in the next film installment, but the star has humbly responded to rumors circulating.

In a tweet sent by Elba himself, he says:

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"Isn't 007 supposed to be handsome?" he tweeted. "Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people."

Rumors began circulating after Sony Pictures' co-chairman, Amy Pascal reportedly sent an email to the official distributor of the 007 franchise where she explicitly declared her desire to have Elba play the next Bond.

The suggestion was met with a lot of favorable feedback, both from Hollywood insiders and fans of the Bond franchise alike. But others were quick to put down the casting choice. Rush Limbaugh specifically made what can be perceived as controversial statements regarding the Sony head honcho's opinion--

"Now [they are] suggesting that the next James Bond should be Idris Elba, a black Briton, rather than a white from Scotland. But that's not who James Bond is," he proclaimed. "I know it's racist to probably point this out."

Regardless, Elba seems to be keen on taking on the infamous role. In a previous Reddit AMA, when the actor was asked whether he would be interested in playing Bond, he said:

"Yes, if it was offered to be, absolutely."

He does have one concern however--

"I just don't want to be called the first black James Bond. Do you understand what I'm saying?" he says. "Sean Connery wasn't the Scottish James Bond and Daniel Craig wasn't the blue-eyed James Bond. So if I played him, I don't want to be called the black James Bond."

The next installment in the James Bond franchise is set for release late in 2015.

TagsIdris Elba, James Bond, daniel craig, Sony Pictures