Looks like Guillermo del Toro got his man! It’s now been confirmed that Idris Elba will take over for Tom Cruise to star in what’s being described as an epic sci-fi film – aka Pacific Rim – a movie that’s “set in a future in which malevolent creatures threaten the earth,” and thus “the planet must band together and use highly advanced technology to eradicate the growing menace.“

Elba will play the lead character known as “Sensi,” alongside Son of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam, with principal photography set to begin in November.

There’s definitely growing Hollywood interest in Idris – from Ridley Scott’s secretive sci-fi project, Prometheus, which is currently shooting in the UK, to Django Unchained rumors, and now del Toro’s Pacific Rim. These are all fairly large projects with big name directors.

He’s also in the upcoming Ghost Rider sequel.

Also recall he has a multi-picture deal with Marvel Studios, which may see him cast in any of a few rumored black superhero franchises – from Luke Cage, to Black Panther, to aBlade reboot.

Travis Beacham wrote the screenplay for Pacific Rim, and Legendary Pictures’ Jon Jashni and Thomas Tull are producing.