Idris Elba has revealed he believes the coronavirus pandemic is Planet Earth's reaction to mistreatment by mankind - and the human race is being killed intentionally.
The Hollywood A-lister tested positive for COVID-19 last week and is currently recovering at home without experiencing any symptoms.
The 47-year-old made the suggestions during an online discussion with Oprah Winfrey at the weekend.
The Luther star claims the planet is trying to wipe out humanity to save itself after years of abuse.
Speaking to the 66-year-old US talk show legend on Saturday, he said: "Our world has been taking a kicking."
"You know? We've damaged our world. And, you know, it's no surprise that our world is reacting to the human race," he continued.
"It's no surprise that a virus has been created that is going to slow us down and ultimately make us think differently about our world and ourselves," he went on.
"For me, that's a standout thing that's very obvious. This is almost the world's cry out to say 'Hey! You're kicking me! What you're doing is not good. So I'll get rid of you!'" he added, dramatically.
"As any organism would do is try to get rid of an infection. Maybe this is it for the world?"
Idris has assured fans he is feeling well after contracting the virus.
He has been in self-isolation with wife Sabrina Dhowre since Monday.
The actor is regularly touted as a possibility to be the next Bond when Daniel Craig steps down after the release of No Time To Die, which has been rescheduled to November in the wake of the global health crisis.
His comments come as social media users share incredible images of regrowth and regeneration in areas of the world following lockdowns across the globe.
As flights are grounded, transport reduced and citizens kept off the streets of towns and cities across the globe, National Geographic has confirmed canals in Venice are "clearer than usual".
Idris added that there is one positive amongst the chaos, adding: "One of the upsides of this whole drama is that we are forced to stick together as a race, as a human race."
