The often fancast-as-James-Bond Idris Elba is one of the most beloved names and faces in the world today. Following news that the actor will star in Apple TV’s untitled spy/romance thriller set in Africa, Elba’s next new project is now revealed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Elba will star in a new survival thriller in the works at Universal Pictures titled Beast.

Baltasar Kormakur is on-board to direct the feature that is reportedly high on Universal’s priority list. Kormakur is best known for directing acclaimed thrillers like Contraband, 2 Guns, and Everest. In addition, Kormakur will produce the picture via his RVK Studios banner. The film features a screenplay penned by Rampage scribe Ryan Engle based on an idea by Jaime Primak-Sullivan (Breaking In).

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While details about the film remain scarce at this time, the film will put Elba’s character at odds with a lion that will serve as the film’s predatory antagonist. Moreover, the initial report describes the movie’s tone as similar to 2016’s The Shallows. The Blake Lively-starring survival thriller pits a surfer against a shark in the middle of open water. Will Packer and James Lopez (The Photograph, Little) will produce Beast alongside Universal executives Matt Reilly and Tony Ducret. The aforementioned Primak-Sullivan will serve as an executive producer as well.

Idris Elba’s roles in action films like Thor and Hobbs & Shaw have endeared him to movie fans all over the world. The multi-talented performer also touts impressive dramatic and musical skills in the BBC Once series Luther and the controversial Cats. Up next, Elba will star as Bloodsport in James Gunn’s highly anticipated DC movie The Suicide Squad.

What do you think? Are you excited about the partnership between Idris Elba and Kormakur? Let us know in the comments below!

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