Rumors linking Idris Elba to the Bond franchise have been swirling for years now, but one very important person is keeping the faith: his mother, Eve.

Asked about the iconic role during an interview on U.K. radio station Capital Xtra, Elba replied jovially: "I know the rumors about Bond have always chased me. Listen, my poor mum is like 'One day you're going to get it!' I was like 'Mum, I’m good, I've got Luther!' I'm definitely doing that."

When he says he feels "chased" by Bond rumors, Elba definitely isn't exaggerating. As far back as 2016, the actor admitted that he doesn't "get a kick" out of continued suggestions he could succeed Daniel Craig.

Back in October, we published a guide to 11 actors predicted to become the next James Bond, including Elba, Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, Daniel Kaluuya and Cillian Murphy.

Since then, Bridgerton's breakout star Regé-Jean Page has also been added to the already very crowded mix. Given that Craig has repeatedly said that upcoming Bond film No Time to Die – now due in theaters this fall – will be his fifth and final outing as 007, the chatter surrounding his successor is unlikely to die down any time soon.

Do you agree with Idris Elba's mum – could he still play Bond?