IDRIS ELBA AS NELSON MANDELA IN 'LONG WALK TO FREEDOM' *Plus 'Idris Elba' reprises his role as haunted cop 'John Luthe'r in the crime drama's 3rd series.

The first look at Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom poster has been released.

The bold image, co-ordinated in the South African flag colours, carries the tagline: "It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

The poster is inspired by the 'Free Nelson Mandela' artwork published by the United Nations Centre Against Apartheid, Liberation Support Movement in 1981.

Idris Elba in 'Long Walk to Freedom' poster

The Golden Globe-winning Luther actor has been paired up with Bond girl Naomie Harris, who will play Winnie Mandela.

Directed by The Other Boleyn Girl's Justin Chadwick, the film will follow the story of the former South African president from his childhood to his time in prison through to his election.

The film is based on a script by Les Miserables screenwriter William Nicholson.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is scheduled for release later this year.

'Luther' to return to BBC One this summer - first series 3 picture

Luther will return to BBC One this summer.

Idris Elba will reprise his role as haunted cop John Luther in the crime drama's third series.



Idris Elba stars in the third series of 'Luther'

Warren Brown (Justin Ripley), Dermot Crowley (Schenk), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Erin Gray) and Michael Smiley (Benny Silver) will all return for the new episodes.

Ruth Wilson will also reprise her role of Luther's uneasy accomplice Alice Morgan, while Resident Evil's Sienna Guillory will join the cast as a new love interest for the detective.

Series creator Neil Cross has expressed his desire to produce both a Luther movie and a spinoff show featuring the character of Alice once the third series has aired.

An exact return date for Luther is yet to be confirmed.

Idris Elba confirms Luther movie plans: 'It's a very strong goal'

Watch a Luther preview video below: