Idris Elba admits hesitancy about Mandela role

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom star Idris Elba has revealed that he initially put the phone down when first asked to play the role of Nelson Mandela.

The 41-year-old said: “You know, I was really, really sensitive about the role.

“My agent called up to ask if I wanted to play Mandela and I put the phone down on him. I was like, no way. Mandela? Couldn’t do it.”

An emotional Elba revealed that he lost his own father six weeks ago, and stated that he took a lot of inspiration from Winston (his father) in playing the role of Mandela, and added that he “can’t talk about this film without referencing him”.

Some might say through a twist of fate, it was during the premiere of this movie in Leicester Square that Mr Mandela’s daughter was informed of his death – shocking a stunned and emotional audience.

After some strong persuasion from the film’s director Justin Chadwick, Elba decided to take the lead role. A role we would imagine, will take centre stage of his acting career so far.

Released in January, the film is a highly anticipated biopic portraying the life of Mandela, from his childhood in a rural village through to his election as the president of South Africa.