Idris Elba Slated To Play Nelson MandelaPosted by Wilson Morales
December 9, 2011
According to Flickering Myth, British actor Idris Elba is in talks to play the role of former South African leader Nelson Mandela in an “official” biopic of the man, to start filming sometime next year.
No other details have been discussed at this point.
Elba, known for his TV role as Stringer Bell on HBO’s ‘The Wire’ and the BBC’s detective series ‘Luther,’ was last seen as Heimdall, a Norse God character in ‘Thor.’
Elba will next be seen in the superhero sequel ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,’ with his other upcoming releases including Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel, ‘Prometheus,’ and Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pacific Rim.’
The story of Nelson Mandela has been played on the big and small screen by several actors including Morgan Freeman, who was Oscar nominated for the role in ‘Invictus.’ Most recently, Terrence Howard played Mandela in ‘Winnie,’ starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as Winnie Mandela. That film has yet to be picked up for distribution.
