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Let’s Have an Idris Elba Film Festival
Revisit some of the actor’s most memorable roles ahead of Luther: The Fallen Sun.
March 5, 2024
Idris Elba Movies and Shows To Watch On Netflix Right Now - Netflix Tudum
Over his nearly 30-year career, Idris Elba has played Nelson Mandela, a Baltimore drug kingpin, cowboys past and present, and even the object of Beyoncé’s dangerous fantasy. How’s that for range?
A multihyphenate on-screen and off, the actor is impossible to pin down. He’s a magnetic screen presence who can toggle between mysterious and charming — so charming — with preternatural ease. Still, Elba seems to be most comfortable when he’s dwelling in the gray areas that make flawed characters more fully human. For proof, you need look no further than DCI John Luther, the rule-breaking copper that he portrayed over five seasons of television and now, a feature film. In Luther: The Fallen Sun, Elba returns to the role that earned him a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and four Emmy nominations for a new nail-biting chapter.
Ahead of the release on March 10, it’s an excellent time to preview the new film and revisit some of Elba’s most memorable roles currently streaming on Netflix.
Popular Now
Luther: The Fallen Sun
Elba breaks out his signature gray tweed overcoat to reprise his role as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther in this movie that reimagines and continues the award-winning series. Directed by Jamie Payne and written by Luther creator Neil Cross, Luther: The Fallen Sun finds the rule-breaking detective in jail — that is, until serial killer David Robey (Andy Serkis) taunts him in a sick, action-packed game of cat and mouse.
Human Playground
Can’t get enough of that deep, gravelly voice? Look no further than this six-episode docuseries created by Hannelore Vandenbussche and narrated by Elba, which explores extreme sports traditions from around the globe. Take a trip to Madagascar, where young men hunt zebu as a rite of passage, ride some of the world’s tallest waves and race reindeers through frozen landscapes with Elba as your own personal tour guide.
The Harder They Fall
Elba goes full villain in Jeymes Samuel’s Black Western loosely based on real people and events. As Rufus Buck, a ruthless crime boss just released from prison who faces off with outlaw Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), Elba cuts a fearsome figure. This is one bad guy you don’t want to cross.
Concrete Cowboy
Elba plays a very different kind of cowboy in Ricky Staub’s coming-of-age tale set among the Black urban cowboys of Philadelphia. Based on G. Neri’s award-winning 2011 YA novel Ghetto Cowboy, the movie stars Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin as rebellious teen Cole, whose mother sends him to live with his estranged father Harp (Elba), a proud member of the real-life Fletcher Street cowboys, in an effort to set him on the straight and narrow. Can they overcome their differences and find common ground among the horses?
Turn Up Charlie
Real-life DJ Elba plays fictional and struggling DJ Charlie in this eight-episode series co-created with Gary Reich. Starring Piper Perabo, JJ Feild, Frankie Hervey and Guz Khan, the show follows Charlie as he plots his comeback while working as a nanny for his famous friend’s daughter.
Molly's Game
Everett Collection
Aaron Sorkin’s feature directorial debut is based on a true story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), an Olympic skier who built an underground high-stakes poker empire. Elba plays Charlie Jaffey, the only criminal defense lawyer willing to take her case after she’s arrested by the FBI in the middle of the night. Can he convince a jury that there’s more to Molly than what’s in the tabloids?
The Take
Watch out, Emily — Idris is in Paris in this British spy thriller directed by James Watkins. Elba plays Agent Briar, a CIA operative who teams up with pickpocket Michael Mason (The Bodyguard’s Richard Madden) and protester Zoe Naville (Charlotte Le Bon) to protect the City of Light from a group of French criminals.
The Gunman
As Interpol agent Jackie Barnes, Elba makes a short but memorable appearance in this action thriller directed by Pierre Morel. Sean Penn plays protagonist Jim Terrier, a former Special Forces soldier turned mercenary who is haunted by his violent past. When an attempt is made on his life, Jim is forced out of hiding and back in the game as he tries to uncover who was behind the hit. Jasmine Trinca and Javier Bardem co-star.
Beasts of No Nation
Directed by Cary Fukunaga, Netflix’s first original feature film stars Elba as the ruthless, explosive commandant who turns child soldier Agu (Abraham Attah) into a seasoned killer. Elba’s charismatic and heartbreaking performance earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2016, as well as an Independent Spirit Award for best supporting male actor.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Elba was nominated for a Golden Globe thanks to this mesmerizing performance as South African leader Nelson Mandela. Directed by Justin Chadwick, the film chronicles Mandela’s fight against apartheid, following him throughout his childhood, coming of age, 27-year imprisonment and eventual election as the country’s first Black president. Naomie Harris stars as Mandela’s wife and partner, Winnie Mandela.
Daddy's Little Girls
Elba is daddy — literally — in Tyler Perry’s movie about a mechanic trying to regain custody of his three daughters from his ex-wife (Tasha Smith) who’s involved in the drug trade. After losing in court, Monty (Elba) enlists the help of strict and powerful attorney Julia (Gabrielle Union) and takes a job working as her driver in order to make ends meet. The two couldn’t be more opposite — so, naturally, sparks fly.
All About Luther: The Fallen Sun
ExplainerLuther: The Fallen Sun ends on a cliffhanger, but will the detective return for another case?By John DiLilloMarch 13, 2023
ExplainerA guide to his friends, his enemies, his coat and all the clues and callbacks hiding in plain sight.By Derek LawrenceMarch 11, 2023
The LookWhy we can’t imagine Idris Elba’s gruff copper without his signature overcoat.By Derek LawrenceMarch 10, 2023
Behind the ScenesThe biggest set piece in the new Luther film is set at a London landmark.By John DiLilloMarch 10, 2023
Red CarpetIdris Elba — minus his tweed overcoat — turned out for the New York premiere of his new Luther film.By John DiLilloMarch 9, 2023
ExplainerThe new film picks up where the series left off, but it’s easy to follow along.By John DiLilloMarch 8, 2023
Let's Talk“There’s a good side and there’s a bad side, no in-between. Unfortunately, John Luther is the in-between.”By Anne CohenMarch 3, 2023
Who’s WhoDCI Luther is back, and he’s on the trail of a twisted new case.By John DiLilloFeb. 9, 2023
Shop Luther: The Fallen Sun
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