Idris Elba
| Photo Credit: KAMRAN JEBREILI
Actor Idris Elba says he will stick to being the tormented detective John Luther — not James Bond.
Speaking Tuesday to the World Government Summit in Dubai, Elba introduced up the persistent discussions about him taking on as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy. Those had grown louder after Daniel Craig’s demise as Bond within the 25th movie within the franchise known as “No Time to Die.”
Asked about his upcoming movie primarily based on the British collection “Luther,” Elba clearly took himself out of playing 007.
“It’s very dark,” Elba said of the series. “We’ve been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we’re here with the first movie.”
He added: “You know, so much of individuals discuss one other character that begins with ‘J’ and ends with ‘B,’ but I’m not going to be that guy. I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am.”
“Luther: The Fallen Sun” is due to come out in American theaters on Feb. 24, then stream on Netflix beginning March 10. It also co-stars Andy Serkis and other actors from the television series.
Elba, 50, is known for a variety of television and film roles, ranging from Stringer Bell on the American television series “The Wire” and the recent movie “Beast.”
While on stage, Elba discussed an upcoming film he’s working on with the American actor and wrestler John Cena called “The Heads of State.”
“He plays the American president. I play the British prime minister,” Elba said. “We get into a caper. I’m very excited about doing that because leadership comes in many different forms.”
In recent weeks, Elba has appeared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba received an award for their work on food security in Africa. Elba also has worked as an anti-crime ambassador with his “Don’t Stab Your Future” initiative within the United Kingdom, the place he grew up in east London.
During his discuss, Elba urged nations to speculate extra in inventive industries, saying it may possibly present an financial engine that gives jobs to their youth. In specific, he mentioned inventive jobs may tremendously assist international locations in Africa.
“I believe that Africa, especially as a continent, needs to hold a narrative, change a narrative,” he mentioned.
Discussing storytelling, Elba additionally praised Dubai for its “incredible tourism story” that it has developed during the last many years. The city-state is seeing a brand new actual property growth, fueled partly by Russian money amid Moscow’s battle on Ukraine.
“I think Dubai should win an Oscar because the (place) is incredible,” Elba mentioned to applause. “It’s a very, very good job and other countries should take note.”
