Idris Elba at 'hometown' premier of Pacific Rim

Idris Elba and Rinko Kikuchi arriving for the European premiere of Pacific Rim at BFI IMAX, Southbank. (PA)

Idris Elba spoke tonight of his pride at premiering Hollywood blockbuster Pacific Rim in his "hometown" of London.

The Luther actor joined co-stars Charlie Hunnam, Charlie Day, Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman, Robert Kazinsky and director Guillermo del Toro on the red carpet at the BFI Imax cinema.

Elba said: "I think that's probably one of the best parts of it - this is my hometown and this is a big Hollywood film and here I am in London, on the Southbank. I love it!"

The film, co-written by Bafta-winning Mexican film-maker del Toro, is set in the future when the world has been invaded by huge monsters.

Elba plays Stacker Pentecost, who leads a team of pilots who power giant robots to battle the monsters and try to save the world.

Former EastEnders star Kazinsky and fellow Briton Hunnam, who play robot pilots, were equally excited to be bringing the film home.

Kazinsky said: "It's everything to me. I never dreamed that this day would become a reality. Even my parents are here.

"I used to go to movie premieres when I was in EastEnders and watch these people and be incredibly envious of the life they were living, making movies that change the world, and here I am doing it!"

Former Queer As Folk star Hunnam, the hero of the film, said what makes the movie is the emotional story at the heart of the incredible action scenes.

"It's pretty exciting to be a small part of this movie, but more than anything just exciting to be working with this guy (del Toro). I'm such a fan of Guillermo's and, after working with him, I see he's one of the real masters of film-making working today."

:: Pacific Rim opens in cinemas on Friday July 12.

PA