Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Besides being known as Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Idris Elba is perhaps the most recognized for playing John Luther in the psychological crime thriller series titledLutherand Stringer Bell in HBO’sThe Wire. But contrary to popular belief, the latter didn’t exactly pan out in the 50-year-old actor’s favor. In fact, Elba’s career ended up teetering on the edge of precariousness afterThe Wire.
While playing the part of the shrewd antagonist in the drama series did earn him fame and success, Elba was of the firm belief thatThe Wiredidn’t open him up to any“remarkable”opportunities. However, if Stringer Bell left the actor feeling out of place, then John Luther was the knight in shining armor that helped Elba back on his feet.
See also:Idris Elba Rejects $20B Movie Franchise Offer, Makes Way for Henry Cavill to Take Over: “It’s an honour, but it’s not a truth”
Idris Elba on How His English Roots Affected His Career DuringThe Wire
In a recent interview withThe Guardian,Idris Elbarevealed how despite all the“attention”that he was getting for playing Stringer Bell in David Simon’sThe Wire, he wasn’t too thrilled about it all. The Golden Globe-winning actor claimed that the majority of the viewers assumed him to be American during the series. But when they found out that he was instead an English actor playing second-in-command to Baltimore’s drug kingpin, Elba“stuck out like a sore thumb.”
See also:“We’ve seen Cavill dominate Idris Elba in 007 bettings”: Henry Cavill Reportedly Spearheaded the Leaderboard for James Bond Role Due To His ‘Expertise in the Action Genre’
“Most people thought I was American during The Wire and then when they realised I was not, I suddenly stuck out like a sore thumb. I felt more scrutinised. I was enjoying success, but I don’t think I was being pushed or stretched as an actor. I don’t think I was getting roles that were like … remarkable.”
And soon enough, theBastille Daystar started to feel trapped in his inner turmoil.“I could feel that there was a glass ceiling coming,”Elba admitted.“I could sort of see the smudges on it.”
John Luther’s Character Helped to Set Idris Elba Free
While Stringer Bell put a glass case on Elba’s abilities, John Luther from Neil Cross’ popular British psychological drama series helped him to move ahead in life. It wasn’t so much about him identifying with Luther, which he barely did, as much as it was about him feeling liberated due to the role.
“Playing a detective, and offering a compelling version of that, that’s what set me free. Or at least redefined what people thought my capabilities were.”
See also:“If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Prerogative”: Thor: Love and Thunder Star Idris Elba Faces Major Fan backlash After Controversial Comment
Not to mention, Luther and Stringer Bell were complete opposites and that distinction was likely to have helped Elba more when it came to reshaping himself. And now, after five seasons and 13 years worth of time, Elba has once again stepped in as the ingenious detective inLuther: The Fallen Sunwhich is set to be a Netflix feature.
Luther: The Fallen Sunis now out on Netflix.
The Wireis streaming on HBO Max.
Source:The Guardian
Khushi Shah
Articles Published :857
With a prolific knowledge of everything pop culture and a strong penchant for writing, Khushi has penned over 700 articles during her time as an author at FandomWire.An abnormal psychology student and an fervent reader of dark fiction, her most trusted soldiers are coffee and a good book.
