Idris Elba decided to bring ‘Luther’ to the big screen in response to speculation he could be the next ‘James Bond’.

The 49-year-old actor will reprise the role of DCI John Luther in a Netflix film based on the hit BBC crime drama and admits discussions linking him as Daniel Craig’s replacement as 007 inspired him to make a film where he takes center stage.

Idris explained, “Writer Neil Cross and I had this ambition about four years ago and it really came from those Bond rumors, everyone wanted to see me in a movie in a central position like that.

“This is where Neil and I sat and watched ‘Luther’ and thought, ‘This could be a sick movie if we could make it happen.'”

The “The Harder They Fall” star also explained that he needs to return to the gym to build up some muscle for the role, with filming set to begin next month.

Idris told the Spotify Who We Be TALKS podcast, “I’m training right now and I’m starting to work out on November 1.”

The star had previously suggested he could take Luther abroad for his big screen arc, which will also star Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis.

The ‘Suicide Squad’ actor explained, “’Luther’ has all the makings to echo those classic 90s movies like ‘Seven’ and ‘Along Came A Spider’.

“I think what we would like to try is use that as a blueprint to create it. It will be more murder, more Volvo, more Luther frowning.

“Basically we just want to try to expand it to a much bigger attribution and scale and maybe also internationally.”