Idris Elba has signed up to star in TV mini-series Ascension.
The drama, which will focus on mankind's desire to reach the stars across the ages, has been written by Warren Ellis (Red).
Elba will play both the Egyptian lord Imhotep in 3000 BC and a brilliant astronomer in the near future, reports Deadline.
The actor - who will next be seen in Ridley Scott's Prometheus - is known for his roles in HBO's The Wire and BBC drama Luther.
Series co-creator Vivek J Tiwary will produce Ascension with Ellis, while Elba will executive produce.
The series is currently being shopped to UK broadcasters.
