Idris Elba’s most memorable roles: From Luther to Pacific Rim-Sophie Laughton-Entertainment – Metro

It’s hard to pick which of Idris Elba’s iconic roles is the best (Picture: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock/ Disney)

Idris Elba is easily one of the UK’s most recognisable actors, and even though he’s ruled himself out of the Bond race, he’s still racked up some pretty impressive roles throughout his career.

Alongisde upcoming roles in Beast and Three Thousand Years Of Longing, the soon-to-be 50-year-old has played everything from animated coppers to legendary leaders – and picked up some major awards and nominations along the way.

Here are six of his most iconic roles from TV and film.

Nelson Mandela, Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom

This ambitious 2013 biopic might not have impressed the critics, but it is one of the first roles where Elba really got to show off his acting chops.

Based on the 1995 authobiography of the same name, the film documents Mandela’s early life and 27 years in prison.

Although audiences pointed out he doesn’t look much like the late South African president, Elba’s powerful portrayal bagged him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

John Luther, Luther

UK audiences know the actor best from BBC drama Luther (Picture: BBC)

There have been many BBC crime dramas featuring troubled detectives in snazzy outerwear, but DCI John Luther and his tweed coat make a particularly iconic duo.

After running for five series between 2010 and 2019, Luther is now being turned into a Netflix feature film, which is confirmed to be close to completion.

We can’t wait, and we assume Pacific Rim director Guillermo del Toro can’t either, as Elba’s performance in the hit series won him the role of Stacker Pentecost.

Chief Bogo, Zootopia

Luther wasn’t Elba’s only time playing a cop (Picture: Disney)

If anyone can make a buffalo attractive, it’s Idris Elba.

The brawny head of Zootopia’s police department might not seem like an obvious choice for such a critically-aclaimed actor, but he totally sold it.

Stoic and gruff at first, Chief Bogo’s softer side and sarcastic sense of humour is revealed as he eventually welcomes bunny cop Judy and reformed sly fox Nick to the force.

Stacker Pentecost, Pacific Rim

Stacker Pentecost is the ultimate movie hero (Picture: Legendary Pictures/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Alien sea monsters and giant robots aside, one of the most impressive parts of this 2013 blockbuster was Elba’s performance as the fantastically named pilot Stacker Pentecost.

After saving countless lives and delivering a rousing speech to rival Ben Pullman’s in Independence Day, he eventually sacrifices himself for the greater good. What a hero.

Stringer Bell, The Wire

The Wire was Idris Elba’s US breakout (Picture: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

DCI John Luther might be Elba’s most famous role in the UK, but American audiences will always remember him on the other side of the law as drug kingpin Stringer Bell in US series The Wire.

Starting off in a small recurring role, Stringer (and Elba) was destined for bigger things, and ended up becoming the main antagonist of season three.

Despite The Wire turning 20 earlier this year, we’re still not over Stringer’s betrayal.

Commandant, Beasts of No Nation

(Picture: Red Crown Prods/Participant Media/Come What May Prods/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Of all his films, 2015 war drama Beasts of No Nation arguably features Elba’ most compelling performance.

The film follows 14-year-old Agu after he is recruited as a child soldier by the Native Defense Force rebel battalion, led by the brutal Commandant.

Although Elba picked up a SAG award for the role, he was snubbed by the Academy Awards, making him the first actor to win a SAG award without being nominated for an Oscar.

Maybe Beast or Three Thousand Years of Longing could see him finally scoop a long awaited Oscar nomination…

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Idris Elba ‘walks away from James Bond role’ but surely Never Say Never Again

MORE : Idris Elba’s daughter refused to speak to him for weeks after he didn’t cast her as his child in Beast: ‘We didn’t have the right chemistry’

Entertainment – MetroRead More