Talk about playing a tough role at a momentous time, Idris Elba mainly known for his roles in Luther and of recent; Prometheus, Thor and Pacific Rim has been given the role of a lifetime as the great Nelson Mandela in the upcoming film ‘Long Walk to Freedom.’
Morgan Freeman was the last face of Mandela in the 2007 film invictus, which proved a big hit, his heart-warming posture and effective tone helped you really feel the emotion and the strength of his subject.
A difference for Elba though is that his role is loosely based towards Mandela’s youth, focusing more towards his history and capturing the moments that made him who he is.
As everybody knows of Nelson Mandela’s recent health scare the release of the trailer was subdue to the more recent news of him improving from a lung infection.
Elba himself, was born Idrissa Akuna Elba in Canning Town, East London on the 6 September 1972 and primarily started his acting career in 1995’ Bramwall, a medical drama set in the 1890s was his first role, it all started when Elba was given a £1,500 grant from The Princes trust, giving him the money to win a place in the National Youth Music Theatre.
The entertainment industry was clearly a high priority for Elba, nightclub work began interest in music in which he picked up the name Big Driis, Elba worked hard on his music but acting prevailed first.
Many supporting and secondary roles followed until 2002 when he landed a starring role in HBO American drama, The Wire. In September 2009 Elba signed as the lead role for BBC’s Luther for which he would receive his first Golden Globe.
His gripping performance as ruthless detective Luther gathered much attention as the major film roles began, Elba played many small roles in such things as Danny Boyle’s ’28 Days Later’ in 2002, American Gangster in 2007 and RocknRolla in 2008 but greater recognition was yet to come.
Elba’s small part roles in films began to develop into major roles of recent; he was given a major role as pilot Janek in the 2012 film Prometheus and general Stacker Pentecost in this year’s Pacific Rim.
A starring role in films still remains rare for Elba and what greater way to announce yourself than playing hero of our time, Nelson Mandela.
His acting career and love from fans clearly shows he’s got exactly what it takes to master a great role, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ is set to hit cinemas on November 29, 2013.
Calum Hill Freelance Journalist & marketing 
I can’t get over the fact that he looks NOTHING like Nelson Mandela. He should have slimmed down, great actor but it just doesn’t seem right.