The last time Tom Cruise noticeably left a project, he passed on Salt to do Knight and Day. He was replaced by one of the biggest stars on the planet. This time around, he left Pacific Rim for reasons unknown, and he’s being replaced by a man who should be one of the biggest stars on the planet.

Deadline Basin is reporting that Idris Elba will take on the role of Sensi for the project being directed by Guillermo del Toro. As you can imagine, since it was meant for Cruise, it’s a leading role, but there are very little details as to what type of role it is. My guess is forceful badass with a quietly complex soul.

There’s no denying that Elba is a force. He’s also a far more exciting presence than Cruise, and this role will give him a shot at becoming a blockbusting leading man. Of course, this verifies earlier rumors that he was out of the running for Tarantino’s Dhango Unchained.

For those keeping score, we’ve got an original sci-fi story being brought to life by a visionary director with a hell of a lead actor. Interested yet?