Disney’s upcoming live-action version of The Jungle Book just leveled up, because Idris Elba is nearly on board. The actor has guarded the rainbow bridge in the Thor films and cancelled the apocalypse in Pacific Rim, but that’s not enough. He’s reportedly in final negotiations to take on the role of the villain, tiger Shere Khan. Insert dramatic roar here.

According to Deadline, Elba will both provide the voice and perform the role. The latter probably means some type of motion capture, and if we’re lucky, that will lead to some fantastic special features. But, we’re putting the cart ahead of the tiger. Though much of the team is assembled and Jon Favreau is set to direct the VFX and live-action spin on the classic tale, there’s not a release timeline just yet. Disney is reportedly moving at a fast past to get their Jungle Book to screen, however, since Warner Bros. is also working on an adaptation.

Elba definitely has the right voice and chops for playing the calculating and arrogant tiger. I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the role.

HT: Deadline