In this GQ feature, actor Idris Elba reflects on several of his most iconic roles throughout his career, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, his preparation process, and personal reflections on the characters.
Key Roles Discussed:
- Luther (0:17 - 4:28): Elba describes DCI John Luther as an intelligent, wise, and somewhat depressed character. He highlights his dynamic with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), noting that their intense, cat-and-mouse chemistry was largely built on improvisation and mutual trust.
- The Wire (4:28 - 8:28): Playing the calculated drug lord Stringer Bell, Elba explains how he drew inspiration for the character’s quiet, professional demeanor from people he knew in the UK rather than typical gangster tropes. He also recalls the surprise of learning his character was to be killed off.
- The Suicide Squad (8:28 - 10:16): Elba shares his experience working with director James Gunn and actor John Cena, noting their talent for improvisation and discussing the character Bloodsport as a complicated father figure.
- Thor / Marvel Cinematic Universe (10:16 - 12:15): Recalling his casting as Heimdall, Elba admits he wasn't well-versed in Thor comics but valued the creative choice to reimagine the Norse deity with a different racial background.
- Pacific Rim (12:15 - 14:07): Discussing the role of Stacker Pentecost, Elba highlights his iconic "canceling the apocalypse" speech and his efforts to embody a sense of stoic, authoritative leadership.
- Zootopia (14:07 - 15:48): Elba expresses his fondness for playing the gruff Chief Bogo, noting the fun of voice-acting and how recognizable the character is to younger audiences.
- The Office (15:48 - 17:05): Reflecting on his time as the stern Charles Miner, Elba shares the difficulty of maintaining a serious face while surrounded by a cast that was constantly trying to make him laugh.
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (17:05 - 25:36): Elba recounts the significant pressure of portraying Nelson Mandela. He shares personal experiences from his time in South Africa, including staying overnight in a cell at Robben Island to prepare for the role and his emotional reaction upon learning of Mandela's death during a premiere.
- Beasts of No Nation (25:36 - 29:14): Describing the complex role of the Commandant, Elba discusses the intensity of filming in Ghana and the challenge of balancing the character’s manipulative nature with a charismatic "favorite uncle" persona.
- Masters of the Universe (29:14 - 30:15): Elba briefly touches on his excitement as a childhood fan to be involved in the franchise as Man-At-Arms.
- The Harder They Fall (30:15 - 32:58): Ending the breakdown, Elba discusses playing Rufus Buck and shares a humorous story about how the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the production and his time in Albuquerque.