First Look at Idris Elba in Cary Fukunaga's 'Beasts of No Nation'

Idris Elba is someone that most expect to one day have the label "Oscar winner" attached to his career, and while things didn't quite work out with Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, an even better opportunity may be on the way. Coming off the massive success of HBO's True Detective, director Cary Fukunaga has jumped back into features with the African drama, Beasts of No Nation, and we've now got the first image of Elba looking mighty intimidating in the lead role.

Based on the novel by Uzodinma Iweala, the story follows Agu, a young boy in an unnamed West African village dealing with the death of his father at the hands of violent militants. Left vulnerable to a commanding and paternal influence, he is recruited by the leader of a militant army to become a child soldier as war engulfs the country. 

Fukunaga's previous films Sin Nombre and Jane Eyre were both very impressive and there's every reason to think Beast of No Nation will be, as well. Filming is currently underway in Ghana and there's a chance it won't be finished in time for this year's Oscars, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye on for the next.