Idris Elba is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to star in Tom Hooper's adaptation of 'Cats'.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba

The London-born actor is being eyed to appear alongside the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, and Taylor Swift in the much-anticipated adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's money-spinning musical, Variety reports.

Idris, 46, has already played a feline role in his career, starring as Shere Khan in 2016's 'The Jungle Book'.

The 'Cats' movie is to be produced by Tom, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Debra Hayward, while Steven Spielberg will be one of the executive producers of the project.

The adaptation has been in the works for years, with Tom - who directed 'Les Miserables' - previously teasing the ambition back in 2016.

In recent years, Idris has also been repeatedly linked with the role of James Bond.

Speculation has frequently suggested that the 'Luther' star could replace Daniel Craig as the next 007, but an insider recently claimed that the coveted role is set to be handed to Richard Madden instead.

A source said: "It's seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job."

Barbara Broccoli, the executive producer at Eon Productions, is likely to have the final say on who will become the next Bond.

And she's apparently been convinced by Richard's performance in the BBC drama series 'The Bodyguard' to offer him the role.

The insider added: "Not only is he on top of Barbara's list, but she is preparing to offer the role."

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