Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela British born actor (and let's not forget supreme heart-throb to millions of women world wide) Idris Elba has come a long way from UK TV soap opera 'Family Affairs', through his breakout performance of drug lord kingpin Stringer Bell in the epic HBO drama 'The Wire', to bursting onto the big screen in such large scale productions as 'Prometheus', 'American Gangster' (both directed by Ridley Scott), and 'Thor'. Indeed he can currently be seen in one of this summer's big Hollywood blockbusters, 'Pacific Rim'. If this were not enough to establish this man's huge talent and abilty is not based on his obvious good looks, Elba is also the star (and associate producer) of the BBC TV series 'Luther' where he plays Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, let's just say a policeman with issues. A role which incidentally won him a Golden Globe in Hollywood.
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!
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!
As part of the preparation and research for the film, Elba had planned on sitting down with Nelson Mandela for a chat. Unfortunately, due to the former leader's ill health, this sadly never happened. Elba recently told The Sun, "It's a massive opportunity to be part of a true legend's life and more importantly, for the film to re-educate people on this legend. I never met Mr Mandela because he was very ill, so our reinterpretation of him was without his personal influence. But the script is such a good script and obviously comes from his book, and the book speaks for itself. If I get judged on my performance or how I sound or look, I think people will have missed the point. The point is....the book is about his life and it's in his own words."
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....
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....
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