Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba ("Luther," "The Wire") is gearing up to play former South African president Nelson Mandela in the "Long Walk to Freedom."

Mandela was a prominent anti-Apartheid activist, who spent 27 years in prison for leading the opposition against South Africa's racist government policies. He was released in 1990 and helped bring democracy to the country. He served as president from 1994 to 1999.

Justin Chadwick ("The Other Boleyn Girl") will direct "Freedom," with William Nicholson adapting from Mandela's own autobiography. The film is looking to start production in May, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Morgan Freeman recently played Mandela in Clint Eastwood's 2009 film "Invictus."

Elba will soon be seen in Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" and Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim."