Idris Elba on becoming the next James Bond: 'It is just a rumor'

NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Idris Elba disappointed fans who hoped he'd become the next James Bond, saying reports of him possibly taking over the role are "just rumors."

"I mean, look, I've said it a million of times: It's a great character and it's an honor to be asked, but it is just a rumor," the actor said to E! News while promoting his Idris Elba X Superdry fashion collection. Elba also denied that there had been any real talks about him taking over the role.

Elba has been a popular choice for the next Bond among online fans and fellow celebrities, including Zoe Saldana, Matt Damon and Nicholas Hoult, who recently recommended Elba or a female for the role ahead of himself.

Interest in who will become the new James Bond started when previous star Daniel Craig mentioned in October before the release of Spectre that he would rather "slash his wrists" than make another 007 film.

Actresses Gillian Anderson and Emilia Clarke have expressed interest in becoming a female bond, while actors Jamie Bell, Tom Hiddleston and Damian Lewis have been rumored for the role.

In the E! interview, Elba discussed how excited he was to joining the Academy of Motion Picture Arts following the institution's push to have more diversity in its ranks.

"It's a big, big honor," the Star Trek Beyond star said to E!. "It is nice to be a part of the Academy, and, you know, big ups to the Academy for making a big push to include people that ordinarily might not be on the list, and here I am. So, I think it is great. It means that there is some influence outside the norm for the Academy and it's a good, good change."