Idris Elba is in talks to star in ‘The Mountain Between Us’.
The British actor is wanted for the lead role in the drama, which has been adapted from Charles Martin’s eponymous novel, which follows the story of two strangers who survive a chartered plane crash in the Colorado woods and must brave the elements together.
If he signs up to appear in the Hany Abu-Assad-directed movie, Idris would play a doctor named Ben Trace, a climbing fanatic who helps female survivor, writer Ashley Knox.
Although both are badly injured in the crash, the pair – who are also joined by the pilot’s dog – regain their health, fall in love and then make a bid for survival by climbing down the mountain on which they landed.
Michael Fassbender and Charlie Hunnam have passed up the male lead, while Margot Robbie and Rosamund Pike were approached to play Ashley but declined.
Idris, 43, has been busy collecting accolades for his role in ‘Beasts of No Nation’ – including two SAG Awards – and has a host of movies out this year, including ‘The Jungle Book’, in which he voices tiger Shere Khan, ‘Zootropolis’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’, in which he stars as Krall.
He is also set to return to the Marvel Universe as Heimdal in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ in 2017.
Idris Elba in talkes for The Mountain Between Us
