Idris Elba In Talks To Embark On A Deep-Sea Horror For Upcoming Sci-Fi Thriller 'Deeper'

Idris Elba is quickly becoming one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood today. Not that he wasn't that popular, to begin with, but being voted as the sexiest man alive in 2018 by PEOPLE appears to have made him extremely enticing to filmmakers in the industry.

With the public calling for him to be cast as the next James Bond, the successful release of the latest installment of 'Luther', and his appearance as a badass, stylish, super-powered supervillain in the recently released trailer for 'Hobbs & Shaw', Elba is at an all-time career high.

And if reports are to be believed, the actor may have more juicy projects knocking at his door.

According to Hollywood Reporter, the 46-year-old is currently in talks to star in a supernatural sci-fi thriller titled 'Deeper'. The MGM project is set to have Baltasar Kormakur behind the camera.

Kormakur has previously showcased his prowess as a filmmaker on survival dramas like 'Everest' and 'Adrift'.

Max Landis has prepared the script for 'Deeper' and the supernatural thriller focuses on a disgraced astronaut who sets out on a deep-sea dive to explore a newly discovered trench. The astronaut, who might be portrayed by Elba if he accepts the gig, finds himself facing a sinister and dangerous force on his dive. 

As per the publication, the tone of the film is said to be similar to that of recent hits like 'Gravity' and 'The Martian'. If Elba decides to take on the role, his casting will bring the project one step closer to becoming a reality after a turbulent journey so far.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. acquired the script from Landis in 2016 paying a whopping seven-figure price for it. And though the media company has been trying to get the project up and running ever since, with members of their previously decided upon cast and crew falling off one by one, it hasn't been able to get the cameras rolling yet.

Prior to considering Elba, MGM had Bradley Cooper and Gal Gadot attached to star in the movie and 'White God' director Kornel Mundruczo set to helm the project. However, with each of them stepping away from the project due to various reasons, MGM was faced with the difficult decision of canning the film in its entirety or rebuilding it from scratch.

Having chosen the latter, if the media company can convince Elba to anchor the deep-sea thriller, they might be able to build a new cast around the 'Avengers: Infinity War' star. It all hinges on how well the negotiations with the star goes.

Apart from writing the script for 'Deeper', Landis is also attached to the film as a producer. Joining him as co-producers are David Goyer, Kevin Turen, Russell Ackerman, and John Schoenfelder.

While it is an exciting opportunity for Elba, the actor currently has his plate full with the on-going filming of Working Title and Universal’s adaptation of 'Cats', in which he portrays the feline Macavity.

Meanwhile, the actor continues to become the public's favorite as Daniel Craig's replacement in the 'Bond' franchise. As per a report by Express.co.uk, the 'Obsessed' star recently topped a poll of actors Brits would like to see play agent 007 next. 

According to the publication, a poll conducted by Meerkat Movies asked 3000 Brits who they'd like to see play James Bond once Craig hangs up his tux. Elba beat the bookies' odds with 20% of the votes to become UK's top choice for the role.

Right behind Elba is 'Venom' star Tom Hardy with 17%, making them the top two favorites for the job as the poll saw a big drop for the other contenders' share of the vote. 'Kong: Skull Island' star Tom Hiddleston came in the third position with 7% of the votes, followed by 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald' actor Jude Law. 

'Bodyguard' actor Richard Madden, 'Man Of Steel' star Henry Cavill, and 'Our Kind of Traitor' star Damian Lewis followed in the subsequent positions having scored 4.23%, 4.13%, and 3.93% in the poll respectively.

James Norton (Lady Chatterley's Lover), Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl), and John Boyega (Star Wars: Episode IX) rounded up the top 10 in the last three positions with 3.70%, 3%, and 2% votes respectively.

Meanwhile, Tom Hiddleston is the favorite with the bookies on 2-1, with Madden and Norton following just behind on 3-1. Contrary to public opinion, Elba and Hardy are both on around 4-1.

On the other hand, it was recently reported that Richard Madden has been approached for the coveted role by 'Bond' producer Barbara Broccoli. Speaking to Daily Mail, a 'Bodyguard' producer confirmed that Madden is in contention for the role when discussing the chances of the actor returning for a second season of the BBC hit series.

"We don’t know if Richard will do series two. It depends what happens with James Bond, we don’t know yet," said the producer reigniting speculations of the Scottish actor being a top contender for the role.