Rumors are circulating in Hollywood that actor Idris Elba is now on the short list to play the iconic character Roland Deschain from Stephen Kings' epic "The Dark Tower" series, which is set to start production soon.

According to Deadline, Elba has been making quite a few waves in Hollywood in recent years with roles that he has delivered, which have gotten some attention from the awards circuit. This includes his most recent role on "Beasts of No Nation," which has earned him a SAG nomination.

Elba's name has been circulated for other projects that have been looking to change the race of a primary character. The actor may replace Daniel Craig as James Bond in the British "007" series of films.

His credits and resume give him a lot of momentum in Hollywood these days. Now, Elba is on the short list for the role of Deschain in "The Dark Tower," which will be produced as an entire series based off King's famous works.

Elba would likely bring his customary swagger to the project, facing off against actor Matthew McConaughey's ominous character, The Dark Man. Fans of the King series of novels know that character from another of the author's works, "The Stand." In that novel, The Dark Man takes the name of Randall Flagg, the earthly incarnation of the evil being.

Although many of King's characters in "The Dark Tower" series play a specific role in that universe, there are many that have also appeared in other novels, including "Insomnia," ''Salems Lot" and "The Stand," among others.

The film will be directed by the highly respected Nikolaj Arcel and will be making its theatrical debut on Jan. 13, 2017. This also happens to be the same day another classic horror film is set to premiere, the remake of "Friday the 13th."