Will Idris Elba be first non-white James Bond?

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British actor Idris Elba is stoking speculation he may take over the role of James Bond when Daniel Craig steps aside, offering an enigmatic Twitter post that fueled the buzz about him becoming the first black Bond.

The star of shows such as “The Wire” and “Luther” on Sunday posted an artistic selfie under the words “my name’s Elba, Idris Elba,” echoing the spy’s famous catchphrase.

American film producer Antoine Fuqua stoked long-running speculation about Elba taking on the role last week, when he told Britain’s Daily Star that Bond movie boss Barbara Broccoli had said “it is time” for a non-white actor to play agent 007.

Idris Elba attends the 'Molly's Game' UK premiere on December 6, 2017, in London. /VCG Photo

According to the Daily Star, Fuqua said Idris has the right presence for the role. “You need a guy with a physically strong presence. Idris has that.”

But before fans go overboard, Elba posted another tweet a few hours later saying, “Don’t believe the hype...”

Idris has been one of the top choices to play Bond since 2014 when leaked emails suggested he should be cast. But he had neither confirmed nor denied the speculation then.

Other names linked to the role include Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender and Poldark’s Aidan Turner.

Hollywood star Riz Ahmed also expressed his wish to become the first Asian James Bond recently. The 35-year-old actor who stars with Tom Hardy as a villain in “Venom” admitted he would happily replace Daniel Craig as 007.

Daniel Craig was unveiled as legendary British secret agent James Bond 007 in the 21st Bond film Casino Royale on October 14, 2005. /VCG Photo

For now, though, Craig will continue starring as Bond for the fifth time for the forthcoming Bond film. It’s likely to be his last, fulfilling his five-film contract. The actor said he wants to “go out on a high note.”

Directed by Danny Boyle, James Bond 25 is due out in October 2019. The title of the film hasn’t been issued yet.

(With inputs from AP)