UPDATE (9/1/2015 at 11:25 am): Following comments he made regarding Idris Elba, Anthony Horowitz wrote an apology on his Twitter: "I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn't my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I'm a writer not a casting director so what do I know? Clumsily, I chose the word 'street' as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offence."

EARLIER (9/1/2015 at 10:02 am): Current "James Bond" novelist Anthony Horowitz told The Daily Mail that he believes popular actor Idris Elba, who has long been suggested as Daniel Craig's successor, is "too street" to play the character and implied that Elba wouldn't be suave enough to pull it off.

"Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better," Horowitz said. "For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

Horowitz went on to suggest "Hustle" star Adrian Lester for the role instead.

Elba's name has been brought up in connection with the role for years, with "Skyfall" star Naomie Harris suggesting him in a 2012 interview. On the heels of an interview in which Craig suggested he might leave the franchise, Elba continues to be a popular contender. Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan recently showed his support, saying, "Let’s start with a great black actor being James Bond. Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence."

Opening Nov. 6, “Spectre” -- the latest Bond film -- stars Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci, David Bautista, Léa Seydoux and Andrew Scott.