Idris Elba says landing the "coveted" role of James Bond would be like portraying Superman on the big screen.

Rumors have previously surfaced that the British actor could portray the infamous 007 agent, although Daniel Craig has since reprised the role for upcoming installment Skyfall.

Idris would never rule out playing the character though, as he thinks so highly of the franchise.

"Bond? It's a bit like saying, 'Do you want to play Superman?' Anyone would dream of it. It's one of the most coveted roles in film. I'd be honored," he gushed in the latest issue of UK magazine GQ. "But I don't know if it will actually happen. I'm just happy with the idea of being associated with it. It's nice there is a lot of good will."

Idris - who is famed for his roles in hit TV shows Luther and The Wire - has been cast as Nelson Mandela in a big-screen adaptation of the leader's autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom.

The 39-year-old star says the role has instilled a great deal of fear into him.

"That is a lot of responsibility. It's like being asked to play Jesus Christ," he said.

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