Is Idris Elba Pursuing Either Luke Cage or Blade for Marvel Studios?

During a recent interview, the Thor star briefly discusses his contract with Marvel, and the possibilities of portraying other characters in their Cinematic Universe.

TotalFilm managed to catch up with Elba during the Raindance Film Festival; where he was promoting his film Legacy. After taking on the role of Roque in this summers The Losers, he will be bringing another comic book character to life in next year's Thor.

"It was great to work with Kenneth [Branagh, the director] and the Marvel team, very dedicated guys, amazingly detailed, very clever. It's going to be a big film for Marvel next year, and Kenneth Branagh has definitely put his stamp on it."

Elba was asked whether his relationship with Marvel Studios will extend beyond Thor, in which he plays Heimdall, guardian of Bifrost [the cross-dimentional, rainbow bridge]. The actor offered up a bit of unexpected information:

"I have a picture deal with them (Marvel). I can't tell you much about that, but I can tell you I'll be back. I wouldn't mind having a crack at bringing Blade back, personally.

"But erm, there's a couple of things there... Luke Cage is... very interesting."

Blade was brought to popularity by Wesley Snipes in a trilogy of vampire hunting films. The character Luke Cage is rumored to appear, alongside Danny Rand the Iron Fist, in a smaller budget film Heroes for Hire for possible release in 2012. Thor is scheduled for theatrical release on May 6th, 2011.