I think Idris Elba went to his agent or manager and said "Get me into every sci-fi movie for the next decade". "Every sci-fi movie?" "Damn right, every sci-fi movie!".
As for "After Earth", looks like Willy Smith and son landed in the middle of "Avatar" and the Navi will show up at any moment. HEY, maybe that will be the M. Night twist in the end ... it was Paradora all along!
Another thing "Rim" has over "AE" ... it can't be a true wannabe anime without the token heroine.
http://www.celebritystomach.com/2012/12/16/hot-rinko-kikuchi-film-pacific-rim/Credits, MikeBrooklyn.