Only time will tell if Hollywood is willing to cast a gay actor in the iconic role of James Bond. Either way, Luke Evans says he’s thrilled just to know that his name has reportedly come up in those discussions.

Evans ― whose credits include “Nine Perfect Strangers” and Disney’s live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” ― graces the cover of Out magazine’s September/October issue. In the accompanying interview, the British heartthrob shares his thoughts about being considered as a possible Bond actor, something that reportedly began about a decade ago.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is like crazy that I’m on this list,’” Evans told the outlet. “I took stock that day and I thought... people could see me as that role even being a gay man, which I thought was great, and it means that we are progressing.” (Bond is typically known as a playboy and womanizer, something that dates back to the character’s original incarnation in Ian Fleming’s novels, though this aspect has been downplayed in more recent films.)

Fans and media outlets alike have been abuzz with speculation about who might next assume the role of James Bond, following the release of 2021’s “No Time to Die,” in which actor Daniel Craig made his final appearance as the legendary spy.

According to various reports, Idris Elba, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Andrew Garfield have long been considered front-runners, while Taron Egerton, Henry Golding and Paul Mescal have more recently been named as contenders.

Despite such stiff competition, Evans, 45, would like to keep his hat in the 007 ring moving forward.

“I’ve still got some years left in me to do stunts and shoot a gun and wear a tuxedo,” he said. “I do look quite good in a tuxedo, even if I do say it myself.”

These days, Evans’ career is in high gear. In January, he appeared in “Good Grief” as the husband of actor-director-writer Dan Levy’s character, Marc. Last month, it was announced Evans had joined the cast of the Amazon Prime Video series “Criminal” in a lead role. In November, he’ll recall his journey to Hollywood in a memoir, “Boy From the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey.”

Elsewhere in the Out interview, Evans opened up about his relationship with his boyfriend, Spanish artist and architect Fran Tomas. The couple have been together for about three years, and earlier this year, they co-founded a men’s fashion and lifestyle brand called BDXY.

“He’s a great human being,” Evans said. “He’s the best part of me for sure. He’s kind, calm. He’s happy. He’s positive. He’s a hard worker. He literally makes me a better person. And he has to put up with my shit, which, I can’t imagine what that would be like.”

“We’re best friends. We travel together. We work together, we work on the brand together,” he continued. “And we’re building a life together. We’re happy and I’m very grateful that I’ve met that person.”

Read Evans’ full Out magazine interview here.