Harsh Vardhan
Idris Elba, the British actor renowned for his compelling performances and commanding screen presence, has established himself as a formidable force in the world of entertainment. He made his first foray into Hollywood with a notable appearance in the 2007 film ‘American Gangster,’ in which he shares the screen with legends like Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. However, it was his role as the charismatic and morally complex Russell “Stringer” Bell in the acclaimed television series ‘The Wire’ that truly catapulted him to prominence, earning him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Elba’s career continued to soar with his portrayal of Detective John Luther in the British crime drama series ‘Luther,’ a role that earned him numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award. He showcased his versatility in major Hollywood productions like ‘Thor,’ ‘Pacific Rim,’ and the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Furthermore, his portrayal of the iconic Nelson Mandela in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom‘ earned him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
With his remarkable talent, Elba has not only left an indelible mark on Hollywood but has also garnered a slew of awards and nominations, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s most respected and celebrated actors. Elba recently graced the screen in ‘Extraction 2’ with his portrayal of Alcott. If his brief appearance left you intrigued for more of his on-screen presence, check out his exciting upcoming projects!
1. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ is an action-adventure comedy film currently in its post-production stage. Drawing its inspiration from Sega’s iconic video game franchise of the same name, it serves as the sequel to the highly successful ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ (2022) as well as a direct follow-up to ‘Knuckles’ (2023). ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ solidifies its position as the fourth installment in the franchise. Elba continues to lend his unmistakable voice to the character of Knuckles the Echidna, a formidable and super-strong red echidna warrior.
Joining him in the cast are Ben Schwartz as Sonic, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Lee Majdoub. Directed by Jeff Fowler, promises an exhilarating cinematic experience and is slated for release on December 20, 2024, offering fans of ‘Sonic’ another thrilling adventure to look forward to. You can watch the trailer here.
2. Masters of the Universe (2026)
Idris Elba is set to join ‘Masters of the Universe,’ a Travis Knight-directed action-adventure movie for Amazon MGM Studios. Elba will play the role of Duncan, Man-At-Arms, alongside Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, and Camila Mendes as Teela. Based on a script by Chris Butler, the movie follows a guy named Adam who discovers a fabulous secret legacy as the prince of the alien kingdom of Eternia. He must recover a mythical sword, take on the “He-Man” mantel, and return to his kingdom to protect his real family from the villainous Skeletor and his mischievous armies of darkness. The film is in its pre-production phase and is slated to be released on June 5, 2026.
3. Fixed (TBA)
‘Fixed’ is an adult animated film, helmed by the talented director Genndy Tartakovsky. Written by Genndy Tartakovsky and Jon Vitti, the Sony Pictures Animation film features an impressive voice cast that includes Adam DeVine, who lends his voice to the character Bull, and Elba, who brings Rocco to life with his voice. Joining them is a talented ensemble of voices, including Kathryn Hahn, Bobby Moynihan, Beck Bennett, River Gallo, and Michelle Buteau.
The film revolves around the comical misadventures of Bull, a lovable blue bloodhound who makes a startling discovery – he’s scheduled to be neutered in the morning. Currently in the final stages of post-production, ‘Fixed’ promises to deliver laughter and hilarity to its audience and is poised to hit the screens in the near future.
4. Heads of State (TBA)
Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Heads of State’ is an action comedy film under the direction of Ilya Naishuller. Though the storyline remains shrouded in mystery, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Elba taking the lead, sharing the screen with stars like John Cena, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Sarah Niles, and Richard Coyle. Notably, Elba also assumes the role of an executive producer for this exciting project. Currently in the post-production stage, ‘Heads of State’ is generating anticipation as audiences eagerly await further updates.
5. Above the Below (TBA)
Elba is both starring and co-directing this action thriller. Martin Owen is the guy sharing the director’s chair. The script is written by Matt Mitchell, Elizabeth Morris, and Vicki Sargent. The story is about a trio of astronauts who find themselves struggling for survival after a successful but destructive re-entry into Earth that has compromised their capsule, which has begun sinking into the ocean. They are cut off from the world and only have each other for help. Elba plays the role of mission commander Jackson, while Caitlin FitzGerald plays co-pilot Brooks. Hero Fiennes Tiffin plays astronaut Rhodes, who is on his first mission. The project is currently in post-production, although we have yet to get a release date.
6. Hijack Season 2 (TBA)
The Apple TV+ tense thriller has been renewed for Season 2 and will reportedly air in 2025. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, the first season followed Elba’s Sam Nelson, a negotiator, who was successful in landing his flight from Dubai to London and saving the passengers onboard after it was hijacked. While we do not know the plot for Season 2, Elba has assured us that it will be more “high-octane” although it might not be about a hijack. Co-creator Jim Field Smith is back as the director. Toby Jones, Lisa Vicari, and Christiane Paul have all signed up. Also joining the action are Clare-Hope Ashitey, Karima McAdams, and Christian Näthe. Filming has begun but more details about the plot and release date are awaited.
7. Infernus (TBA)
Prepare for an Elba triple threat in the upcoming action-thriller ‘Infernus.’ Elba takes center stage as the lead actor, director, and producer in this thrilling cinematic endeavor. Based on a story by Tom Boyle, the narrative unfolds around Donovan Kamara (Elba), a dedicated human rights activist who embarks on a mission to probe disturbing reports of refugees held in unlawful detention. However, what starts as a seemingly straightforward task takes a perilous turn when the world’s most dangerous inmates stage a dramatic escape. Currently in the pre-production phase, ‘Infernus’ promises to deliver an intense and multifaceted performance by Elba, both in front of and behind the camera, making it a project to keep a close eye on for fans of high-octane action and suspenseful storytelling. More details on the project are awaited.
8. Untitled Kathryn Bigelow feature with Netflix (TBA)
Elba is a part of Kathryn Bigelow’s next film, which will launch on Netflix. He stars alongside Rebecca Ferguson, Jared Harris, and Gabriel Basso. Also joining them are Anthony Ramos, Gabriel Basso, Jason Clarke, Catherine MissalGreta Lee, Tracy Letts, and Moses Ingram. While the title and plot are under wraps, it will reportedly be set inside the White House during a national crisis. Currently in its filming stage, the film awaits more updates.
9. Hammer Down (TBA)
Idris Elba is set to star in action-thriller ‘Hammer Down.’ Simon Hatt is directing from a screenplay that he also wrote, based on his own short. The plot follows Mac (Elba), who is the best at what he does, driving a big rig truck across the country with a “no questions asked” policy about the goods he transports. When he takes his tenacious teenage daughter along for a job, they are tracked and attacked by a relentless group of criminals who will stop at nothing to secure the consignment he has been entrusted to deliver. Pursued by merciless killers and with the police hot on their trail, Mac and his daughter must work together to prevent the cargo from falling into dangerous hands and survive to live another day. The film is in its pre-production phase, with Elba as the only confirmed cast member. More details are awaited.
10. Idris Elba: A Year of Knife Crime (TBA)
Elba will front a new BBC One documentary, ‘Idris Elba: A Year of Knife Crime,’ which addresses the reality of knife crime in the U.K. In recent years, the actor has been vocal as an anti-knife crime activist and hopes the hour-long program will throw light on solutions to solve the crisis. He will meet with young offenders, bereaved families, youth workers, and the police in a bid to understand the uptick in knife crime across Britain. The film will feature meetings with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles to discuss ways to solve the problem. Ben Steele will direct the intriguing film, which is in its pre-production phase. A release date is eagerly awaited.
11. Dust to Dreams (TBA)
Idris Elba is all set to direct a Nigeria-set short film called ‘Dust To Dreams,’ which he is penning too. Created by Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu, the film is set in Lagos, Nigeria, and explores the complex challenges of a mother when she introduces her teenage daughter to the latter’s estranged father. The star-studded cast includes music icon Seal, along with Eku Edewor, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and former Nigerian Idol contestant Constance Olatunde, aka Konstance. ‘Dust to Dreams’ is currently in its script stage and has not received a release date.
12. Bang! (TBA)
Under the direction of David Leitch, Netflix’s ‘Bang!’ emerges as an upcoming action-thriller film based on Matt Kindt and Wilfredo Torres’ eponymous comic series. The intriguing plot revolves around a sinister terrorist cult hell-bent on triggering the apocalypse through a nefarious series of novels engineered to indoctrinate their readers. In response, the world’s most renowned secret agent is dispatched on a high-stakes mission to locate and eliminate the enigmatic author behind these world-altering books. With the charismatic Elba poised to play an infamous spy, ‘Bang!’ holds great promise, although further details regarding its production remain eagerly awaited. As of now, it is in the scripting stage.
13. Things Fall Apart (TBA)
A24 has greenlit a TV series based on Chinua Achebe’s world-renowned eponymous novel. Idris Elba is the only revealed cast member and will also be executive producing the project. The plot centers on Okonkwo (Elba), a fearless African warrior/leader bent on protecting and preserving his people and culture. As British colonizers disrupt his world, he struggles to maintain power and tradition, eventually leading him to a heart-wrenching confrontation. His resilient resolve, even in the face of unstoppable change, makes him one of literature’s most iconic characters, an embodiment of the tension in the midst of strength, adaptability, and vulnerability.
‘Things Fall Apart’ is the first book of Achebe’s African Trilogy, followed by ‘No Longer at Ease’ and ‘Arrow of God.’ It has previously been adapted both as a film and a miniseries. Currently in its early development stages, the A24 series has yet to receive a network or streaming service. More details about this intriguing project, including writers, director, and cast, are awaited.
Read More: Is American Gangster Based on a True Story?
