BRITISH actor Idris Elba has responded to recent speculation that he will play the first black James Bond.

    Rumors have been high in recent weeks following the release of a hacked email by Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal and Elizabeth Cantilon, from Columbian Pictures, which distributes the “Bond” films.

    Elba addressed the topic on Twitter by saying “Isn’t 007 supposed to be handsome? Glad you think I’ve got a shot! Happy New Year people.”

    The tweet also came on the heels of American radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh’s controversial comments that James Bond must be “white and Scottish.”

    The upcoming “Bond” pic “Spectre,” which was hard hit by the Sony hack when its script was stolen, opens in theaters Nov. 6, this coming year.

    (SD-Agencies)