Idris Elba is making headlines for addressing rumors of replacing Daniel Craig as one of the most famous spies in the world as James Bond.

In an interview with Digital Spy, the Pacific Rim actor said that he is extremely flattered by the rumor and would love to take on the role, but it's only speculation.

"It's not something that I actually hope to come to fruition. It would be lovely if it did, but it's a rumour," Elba said.

"It's actually like the will of a nation type-thing. I'm not a champion of myself to be James Bond, but there are so many people who say, 'Hey, you'd be a great one. We'd love to see that'. That's a great feeling for me. That's such a national treasure for us in England, we love James Bond. To be considered as one of those actors who could play him is great."

Elba is not the first African-American actor to be associated with the role; prior to the casting of Daniel Craig, it was reported earlier that Colin Salmon was in competition for the role.

Meanwhile, Elba is gearing up for the nationwide release of Pacific Rim, set to hit theaters Friday, July 12.

On asked why he wanted to be apart of Guillermo del Toro's film, Elba praised the director as having a "real big imagination."

"He is a kid in a man's body that has been given all these visual toys to bring his imagination to life. When you look at Pan's Labyrinth, which is so delicate and so provoking ... for me, it was being able to work with a master filmmaker like him," he said.

Elba next movie is playing Nelson Mandela in the movie, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. He said that the role of playing Mandela was a difficult process for him, so he is not worried about if people judge his performance.

"It meant so much to me," Elba said about playing him. "It's such a massive opportunity to be part of a true legend's life, and more importantly, the film re-educates people on this legend. I never met Mr. Mandela because he was very ill, so our interpretation of him was without his personal influence.

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