India, May 24 -- For years, Idris Elba's name dominated conversations around the future of James Bond. From social media fan-casting campaigns to endless entertainment headlines, the British actor was repeatedly viewed as one of the strongest contenders to replace Daniel Craig as the iconic MI6 spy. But now, Elba himself has once again shut the door on the speculation, and this time, more directly than ever.

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of his upcoming fantasy-action film Masters of the Universe, the actor clarified that he was never truly part of the race to become the next 007. "My name's not getting thrown out, no way," Elba said while addressing the long-running rumours. "They're going younger. And I wish them all the luck of...