It’s been a successful few years for Idris Elba as the British actor’s star continues to rise on both the small AND big screen.

The award-winning actor, best known for his pivotal roles in The Wire (2002-2008), Luther (2010-2016) and the Thor trilogy (2011-17), is now taking centre stage in the long-awaited big-screen adaption of Stephen King’s mystical novel The Dark Tower.

Produced by Oscar-winning director Ron Howard (Gladiator, Cinderella Man, Da Vinci Code trilogy), the (long-delayed) post-apocalyptic fantasy has finally unveiled its official trailer online.

Directed by Nikolaj Arcel (Island of Lost Souls, A Royal Affair), the plot sees Elba play Roland Deschain, a gunslinger living in a desolate world who forges a bond with a young boy from modern-day Earth as the pair search for the Dark Tower. However they also have to battle it out with the notourious Man in Black who is determined to find the Tower himself.

Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar) portrays the Man in Black with the rest of the cast including Tom Taylor (Doctor Foster, Legends), Katheryn Winnick (Bones, Vikings), Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Neon Demon), Fran Kranz (The Village, The Cabin in the Woods) and Jackie Earl Haley (Watchmen, Preacher).

The Dark Tower will be released on August 18th.