
No doubt, this skilled brother has come a long way. However, he is just about to take on his greatest challenge in portraying a living legend in a new motion picture. Idris Elba will play South African President Nelson Mandela in 'Mandela: Long Walk To Fredom', a film based on Mandela's 1994 autobiography, 'Long Walk To Freedom' which covered his early life, coming of age, education, his political struggle and his 27 years of incarceration. Elba will be tackling a subject which is very close to most people's hearts. Mandela is probably the most popular elder statesman on the planet, as was recently displayed by the world wide media attention to his current health problems. He surely must know if he gets this wrong, the world will not be backward informing him of their displeasure. However, on the strength of a new trailer for the film which has just been released, my gut feeling is Mr. Elba will rock baby!

The powerful and moving trailer shows that alongside Elba portraying Mandela, the role of his wife Winnie Mandela has been given to the leading UK actress Naomie Harris. In recent years this very capable performer has appeared in the 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' movie series and excelled in the Ian Dury biopic "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll". Of late her profile has risen to new heights as the new (black) Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond monster hit, 'Skyfall'. The inside word which has reached my ears is her time on screen as Winnie may get her Oscar recognition. 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' (which comes from The Weinstein Company, a sure sign for quality product) is due for release in the autumn. This really could be something quite special. I can't wait....