Idris Elba Responds to James Bond Rumours

Just days after radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said he cannot stand the idea of a 'black' James Bond, after a leaked Sony email suggested Idris Elba could succeed Daniel Craig, the "Luther" star has responded via Twitter.

Elba, donning a beanie and looking as handsome as ever even with a scruffy beard, tweeted: "Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people."

Daniel Craig has been signed on to star in for only more Bond film after the 24th 007 flick "Spectre", whose script was leaked online by hackers who called themselves Guardians of Peace (GOP). It was also revealed that the film had exceeded its  budget (nearly $300+ million).

The Daily Beast reports that Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal allegedly wrote in an email to the distributor of the Bond franchise that "Idris should be the next bond."

The news was well received by some fans, but irked Rush Limbaugh who said: "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. I know it's racist to probably point this out," E Online reports.

This is not the first time that Elba spoke about starring in the 007 franchise. During a Reddit AMA, the 'Pacific Rim' star, referring to taking the highly-coveted role, he said: "Yes, if it was offered to be, absolutely."

But the 42-year-old star also had concerns about taking the role. Earlier, Elba reportedly said: "I just don't want to be called the first black James Bond. Do you understand what I'm saying? 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."

Limbaugh's statement had infuriated fans and celebrities in the industry. He has been infamous for his racist comments for years.

However, it's good that Elba is not letting Limbaugh's comments affect him.