Idris Elba To Fight A Lion In Upcoming Survival Thriller ‘Beast’

Idris Elba will go face to face with a lion in the upcoming survival thriller film “Beast.” The movie, which is being overseen by Universal Pictures, will be helmed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormakur.

The highly anticipated project was penned by Ryan Engle and is based on an original idea by Jaime Primak-Sullivan, Deadline first reported. Engle is known for writing the script for Dwayne Johnson’s hit movie “Rampage.”

As of late, story details are being kept hidden. However, the media outlet reported that the movie would have a similar tone to the 2016 movie “The Shallows.” The film starring Blake Lively in the lead role featured a killer shark whereas “Beast” will feature a lion as the antagonist.

James Lopez and Will Packer will be producing the upcoming venture through their Will Packer Productions while Kormakur will also serve as producer. Primak-Sullivan will serve as one of the executive producers as well.

Matt Reilly and Tony Ducret will supervise the film on behalf of Universal Pictures.

Kormakur is known for directing some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The filmmaker has worked with stars like Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Mark Wahlberg, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Shailene Woodley.

Meanwhile, Elba is currently busy promoting his upcoming movie “Concrete Cowboy.” The film recently had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and garnered positive reviews.

The movie chronicles the journey of a young guy named Cole (played by Caleb McLaughlin), who discovers the world of urban horseback riding after moving in with his estranged father (portrayed by Elba) in North Philadelphia.

The Guardian gave the movie three stars and noted that it is a “powerful father-son drama” while Variety gave the movie a positive review and praised director Ricky Staub for his amazing storytelling.

In addition, the “Luther” star will be portraying the character of Bloodsport in James Gunn’s upcoming film “The Suicide Squad.” The movie also stars Margot Robbie, John Cena, Alice Braga, Storm Reid, Pete Davidson, and Nathan Fillion in pivotal roles.

“The Suicide Squad” is scheduled to hit theaters on Aug. 6, 2021.