Idris Elba is one of those actors who just seems to be able to do it all. He’s been in some of the biggest movies of the past few years, and he’s also starred in several successful TV shows. He’s even won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for his work. In honor of Idris Elba’s birthday, we’ve put together a list of his 10 best movie and TV roles. From his work in blockbusters like Thor to his starring role in the hit show Luther, there’s no doubt that Idris Elba is one of the most versatile actors working today.
Stringer Bell in
1. Stringer Bell in The Wire
Stringer Bell is one of the most fascinating characters on television. He’s a drug lord who is trying to legitimize his business and move up in the world. He’s intelligent, calculating, and ruthless. Elba brings an incredible amount of charisma to the role, and it’s impossible to take your eyes off him whenever he’s on screen.
John Luther in
John Luther is a film and television role played by Idris Elba. The character was created by Neil Cross, and has appeared in various films and television shows since 2003. Luther is a dedicated detective who often gets himself into trouble because of his impulsive nature. He has a complicated personal life, and his cases often have moral implications. Despite all of this, Luther is a skilled investigator who always manages to solve the case.
Nelson Mandela in
1. Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
Based on the autobiography of the same name, Long Walk to Freedom stars Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela, charting his early life, his 27 years in prison, and his eventual release and election as South Africa’s first black president. Elba gives a towering performance in the role, one that earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Roque in
1. Roque in “The Wire”
Arguably Idris Elba’s most iconic role to date is that of Roque, a character he played on HBO’s “The Wire.” Roque was a powerful drug lord who always seemed to be one step ahead of the police. His performance earned him critical acclaim and solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s leading men.
Stacker Pentecost in
1. Stacker Pentecost in “Pacific Rim”
Stacker Pentecost is a former pilot who now leads the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, a global organization dedicated to protecting Earth from giant monsters known as Kaiju. In “Pacific Rim,” Elba’s character must team up with a young pilot named Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) to stop the Kaiju once and for all.
Elba’s performance in “Pacific Rim” was praised by critics, with many noting his natural charisma and ability to convey both the gravitas and humor of his character. In particular, his scene-stealing monologue about the importance of fighting for Earth – even if it means sacrificing one’s own life – is considered one of the highlights of the film.
Commander Waterford in
Commander Waterford in “The Wire”
If you’re looking for a powerful and commanding TV role, look no further than Idris Elba’s portrayal of Commander Waterford in “The Wire.” As the leader of a fictional Baltimore police department, Waterford is a tough and no-nonsense cop who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s also not above using whatever means necessary to get results, which sometimes puts him at odds with the show’s main characters. But regardless of whether you love or hate him, there’s no denying that Waterford is a compelling and fascinating character, and Elba brings him to life in an unforgettable way.
Charlie Hesketh in
Charlie Hesketh is a character in the 2015 film “Idris Elba: King of Speed.” The film follows Elba as he competes in the British Top Gear’s Supercars Challenge. Hesketh is a member of Elba’s team, and the two have a friendly rivalry throughout the film.
Gunslinger Roland Deschain in
Roland Deschain is the protagonist of Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” series of novels. He is also the lead character in the 2017 film adaptation of the same name, played by Idris Elba.
Roland is a gunslinger, meaning he is skilled in the use of firearms. He hails from the fictional world of Mid-World, which is a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Roland’s main goal in life is to reach the titular Dark Tower, which is said to be the nexus point of all universes.
Along his journey, Roland encounters many adversaries, including the evil sorcerer Walter Padick (aka The Man in Black), played by Matthew McConaughey. Despite the odds being against him, Roland never gives up on his quest and eventually reaches the Dark Tower.
Idris Elba is one of the most successful and versatile actors working today. He has starred in some of the best movies and TV shows of the past few years, including Luther, Beasts of No Nation, and The Wire.
No matter what role he is playing, Idris Elba always brings his trademark charisma and intensity to the screen. Here are some of his best movie and TV roles to date:
1. Luther – Luther is a British police procedural drama starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. The show follows Luther as he investigates complex and harrowing crimes in London.
2. Beasts of No Nation – In Beasts of No Nation, Idris Elba plays Commandant, a ruthless warlord leading a group of child soldiers in an unnamed West African country. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala.
3. The Wire – Idris Elba stars as Stringer Bell in The Wire, one of the greatest television shows ever made. Set in Baltimore, The Wire follows a group of police officers and criminals as they battle for control of the city’s drug trade.
4. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – In Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Idris Elba portrays Nelson Mandela in one of the most acclaimed biographical films ever made. Based on Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, the film chronic