View source for Idris Elba

{{Short description|English actor (born 1972)}}
{{for|the wasp species named after the actor|Idris (wasp)#Species}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Idris Elba
| honorific_prefix   = [[Knight Bachelor|Sir]]
| honorific_suffix   = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|OBE}}
| image              = Idris Elba A House of Dynamite-21 (cropped).jpg
| alt                = Elba at the 2025 [[New York Film Festival]]
| caption            = Elba in 2025
| birth_name         = Idrissa Akuna Elba
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1972|9|6}}
| birth_place        = [[Hackney, London]], England
| other_names        = {{hlist|DJ Big Driis|Idris<ref>{{cite news |first= Jada |last=Yuan |title=Idris Elba on Prometheus, Learning to Box, and His Party House |url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/06/idris-elba-prometheus-interview.html |access-date=14 October 2013 |newspaper=vulture.com |date=8 June 2012}}</ref>}}
| citizenship        = United Kingdom<br>[[Sierra Leone]] (since 2019)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-50871307|title=Idris Elba given Sierra Leone citizenship|date=20 December 2019|work=BBC News}}</ref>
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actor|DJ|rapper|singer}}
| years_active       = 1994–present
| works              = [[Idris Elba filmography|Filmography]]
| spouse             = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Hanne Nørgaard|1999|2003|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|Sonya Nicole Hamlin|2006|2006|end=annulled}}|{{marriage|[[Sabrina Dhowre ]]|2019}}}}
| children           = 2
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Idris Elba|Full list]]
| module             = {{infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]|[[Dance music|dance]]|[[Afro house]]|[[Latin house]]}}
| instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|[[turntablist|turntables]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Parlophone Records|Parlophone]]|7Wallace}}
}}
| signature          = 
}}
'''Sir Idrissa Akuna Elba''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɪ|d|r|ᵻ|s}} {{respell|IH|driss}}; born 6 September 1972) is an English actor and rapper. He has received a [[Golden Globe Award]] as well as nominations for three [[BAFTA Awards]] and six [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmy Awards]]. He was named in the [[Time 100|''Time'' 100]] list of the Most Influential People in the World in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Simon|url=http://time.com/4299764/idris-elba-2016-time-100//|title=Idris Elba: TIME 100|magazine=Time|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426115530/http://time.com/4299764/idris-elba-2016-time-100/|url-status=dead}}</ref> His films have grossed over {{US$|9.8&nbsp;billion|long=no}} at the global box office, making him one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors. In 2025, Elba was named as the UK's third-most influential Black person in the [[Powerlist|2026 Powerlist]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Top 10 |url=https://powerful-media.com/powerlist/the-top-10/ |access-date=2025-10-24 |website=Powerful Media |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Elba studied acting at the [[National Youth Music Theatre]] in London. He rose to prominence playing [[Stringer Bell]] in the [[HBO]] series ''[[The Wire]]'' (2002–2004), and [[Chief inspector#United Kingdom|DCI]] [[John Luther]] in the [[BBC One]] series ''[[Luther (TV series)|Luther]]'' (2010–2019), the latter of which earned him the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film]] as well as four nominations for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie]]. He was also Emmy-nominated for his guest role in [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] comedy-drama series ''[[The Big C (TV series)|The Big C]]'' (2011) and for his leading role in [[Apple TV+]] thriller series ''[[Hijack (TV series)|Hijack]]'' (2024).<ref>{{cite journal|first=Brian |last=Lowry |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/emmy-nominations-2014-list-emmys-nominees-1201260236/ |title=Emmy Nominations 2014 — Full List: 66th Primetime Emmys Nominees |journal=Variety |date=10 July 2014 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Luther">{{cite news |title=Wire actor Elba joins BBC drama |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8237924.stm |access-date=7 September 2009 |date=4 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Idris Elba|work=Prince's Trust|url=https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/celebrity-ambassadors/goodwill-ambassadors/idris-elba|access-date=16 March 2023}}</ref> He is also known for his recurring guest role as [[List of The Office (American TV series) characters#Charles Miner|Charles Miner]] in the [[NBC]] [[sitcom]] ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'' (2009).

On film, Elba portrayed a ruthless and charismatic [[warlord]] in the [[Netflix]] drama ''[[Beasts of No Nation (film)|Beasts of No Nation]]'' (2015) for which he received the [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role|Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role]] as well as nominations for a [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|British Academy Film Award]] and [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture|Golden Globe Award]]. He portrayed [[Nelson Mandela]] in ''[[Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom]]'' (2013) for which he was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama]]. He has also acted in ''[[American Gangster (film)|American Gangster]]'' (2007), ''[[Obsessed (2009 film)|Obsessed]]'' (2009), ''[[Prometheus (2012 film)|Prometheus]]'' (2012), ''[[Pacific Rim (film)|Pacific Rim]]'' (2013), ''[[Star Trek Beyond]]'' (2016), ''[[Molly's Game]]'' (2017), ''[[The Dark Tower (2017 film)|The Dark Tower]]'' (2017), ''[[Hobbs & Shaw]]'' (2019), ''[[The Harder They Fall (2021 film)|The Harder They Fall]]'' (2021), and ''[[A House of Dynamite]]'' (2025).

Elba joined the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU) portraying [[Heimdall (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Heimdall]] in six films beginning with ''[[Thor (film)|Thor]]'' (2011), as well as the [[DC Extended Universe]] playing [[Bloodsport (character)|Bloodsport]] in [[The Suicide Squad (film)|''The Suicide Squad'']] (2021). He voiced [[Chief Bogo]] in ''[[Zootopia]]'' (2016), ''[[Zootopia+]]'' (2022) and ''[[Zootopia 2]]'' (2025), [[Shere Khan]] in ''[[The Jungle Book (2016 film)|The Jungle Book]]'', Fluke in ''[[Finding Dory]]'' (both 2016), and [[Knuckles the Echidna]] in ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' (2022), ''[[Knuckles (TV series)|Knuckles]]'', and ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (both 2024).

Elba made his directorial debut with ''[[Yardie (film)|Yardie]]'' (2018).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/idris-elba-yardie-director/ |title=Idris Elba Set to Make Directorial Debut With ''Yardie'' |last=Cabin |first=Chris |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=5 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707153330/http://collider.com/idris-elba-yardie-director/ |archive-date=7 July 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=5 July 2016 }}</ref> He also performs as a DJ under the moniker '''DJ Big Driis''' or '''Idris''' and as an [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer.<ref name=":0">[http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/news/a5110/idris-elba-interview-the-hustler/ "Idris Elba Interview: The Hustler"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807130021/http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/news/a5110/idris-elba-interview-the-hustler/ |date=7 August 2017 }}. Esquire. Retrieved 18 April 2016</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://hiphopwired.com/2011/09/13/idris-elba-driis-releases-new-music-video-secret-garden-video/ |title=Idris Elba (Driis) Releases New Music Video 'Secret Garden' |date=13 September 2011 |publisher=hiphopwired.com |first=Danielle |last=Canada}}</ref> He is a co-owner of the [[Formula E]] team, [[Kiro Race Co]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Sam |title=Idris Elba takes on Formula E team role |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-e/idris-elba-takes-on-formula-e-team-role/ |website=The-Race.com |date=11 February 2025 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Idrissa Akuna Elba was born on 6 September 1972<ref name="guardian"/> in the [[London Borough of Hackney]],<ref name=Biography.com>{{cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/people/idris-elba-21429871| title= Idris Elba:Singer, Actor (1972–)|publisher=[[Biography.com]] ([[FYI (TV network)|FYI]] / [[A&E Networks]])| access-date=2 August 2017|quote=Idrissa Akuna Elba was born on September 6, 1972, in the Hackney section of East London, England. An only child of Sierra Leonean descent, Elba eventually attended the National Youth Music Theatre's training programs.}}</ref> the only child to Winston Elba, a [[Sierra Leone]]an man who worked at the [[Ford Dagenham]] plant, and Eve, a [[Ghanaian]] woman.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/beasts-of-no-nation/cary-fukunaga-interview/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/beasts-of-no-nation/cary-fukunaga-interview/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Idris Elba meets his Waterloo – in Ghana|date=3 October 2015|work=The Telegraph|access-date=23 November 2018|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="guardian"/> His parents were married in Sierra Leone and later moved to London.<ref name="observer_2010">{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2010/jan/24/idris-elba-interview-the-wire |title=Idris Elba: life after 'Stringer' Bell |first=Miranda |last=Sawyer|author-link=Miranda Sawyer |work=[[The Observer]] |date=24 January 2010 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref> Elba was raised in [[Hackney, London|Hackney]] and [[East Ham]]<ref name="Midas Touch">{{cite news|first=Stuart |last=Jeffries |date=9 May 2009|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/may/05/television-the-wire-idris-elba-obsessed |title=The Midas Touch |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 July 2009|location=London}}</ref> and shortened his first name to "Idris" while at school in [[Canning Town]], where he first became involved in acting.

Elba credits ''[[The Stage]]'' with giving him his first big break. After seeing an advertisement for a play, he auditioned and subsequently met his first agent while performing in the role.<ref name="baftaguru_2013">{{cite web |url=http://guru.bafta.org/idris-elba-big-questions |title=Idris Elba: Big Questions |work=[[BAFTA]] Guru |date=19 June 2013 |access-date=17 August 2015 |archive-date=10 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810205214/http://guru.bafta.org/idris-elba-big-questions |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1986, he began helping an uncle with his wedding DJ business; within a year, he had started his own DJ company with some of his friends.<ref name="guardian"/>

Elba briefly attended [[Barking and Dagenham College]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Idris Elba |url=https://barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk/why/idris-elba |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=Barking & Dagenham College }}</ref> leaving school in 1988 and winning a place in the [[National Youth Music Theatre]] after a £1,500 [[The Prince's Trust|Prince's Trust]] grant.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/12/king-charles-ally-black-people-post-colonial-monarch-diversity|title=I called King Charles an ally to black people. I hope he lives up to that title|first=Lester |last=Holloway|date=12 September 2022|access-date=12 September 2022}}</ref> To support himself between roles in his early career, he worked in odd jobs including tyre-fitting, [[cold-calling]] and night shifts at Ford Dagenham.<ref name="times">{{cite news|first=Chris |last=Ayres |date=23 August 2008 | url = https://www.thetimes.com/article/life-as-a-rocknrolla-meet-the-crafty-cockney-idris-elba-52tzf07gsjx | title=Life as a RocknRolla: meet the crafty Cockney Idris Elba |work=The Times |access-date=18 January 2025|location=London}}</ref> He worked in nightclubs under the DJ nickname "Big Driis" during his adolescence, but began auditioning for television roles in his early twenties.<ref name="guardian"/>

== Career ==
=== 1994–2004: Early roles and ''The Wire'' ===
Elba's first acting role was in ''[[Crimewatch]]'' murder reconstructions, and in 1994, he appeared in a BBC children's drama called ''The Boot Street Band''. In 1995, he landed his first significant role on a series called ''[[Bramwell (TV series)|Bramwell]]'', a medical drama set in 1890s England. In an episode of series 1, he played a central character, an African petty thief named Charlie Carter, who lost his wife to childbirth and had to figure out how to support his newborn daughter. His first named role arrived earlier in 1995 when he was cast as a [[gigolo]] on the "Sex" episode of ''[[Absolutely Fabulous]]''. Many supporting roles on British television followed, including series such as ''[[The Bill]]'' and ''[[The Ruth Rendell Mysteries]]''. He joined the cast of the soap opera ''[[Family Affairs]]''<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|first=Esther |last=Addley |date=20 March 2008 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/21/television |title=He often has fewer lines than anyone else but you still feel as though he has the bigger part, because he is luminous |work=The Guardian |access-date=23 August 2013| archive-date= 1 December 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161201214845/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/21/television| url-status=live}}</ref> and went on to appear on the television serial ''[[Ultraviolet (TV serial)|Ultraviolet]]'' and later on ''[[Dangerfield (TV series)|Dangerfield]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Idris Elba – Biography|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/person/idris-elba/biography.html |publisher=[[Yahoo! Movies]]|access-date=17 July 2013}}</ref> He decided to move to [[New York City]] soon afterward.<ref name="guardian"/> He returned to [[England]] occasionally for a television role, such as a part in one of the ''[[Inspector Lynley Mysteries]]''. In 2001, Elba played [[Achilles]] in a stage production of ''[[Troilus and Cressida]]'' in New York City.<ref name="guardian"/> In 1997, he starred in the first two episodes of the second series "Blood, Sweat and Tears" in ''Silent Witness''. After a supporting turn on a 2001 episode of ''[[Law & Order]]'', Elba landed a starring role on the HBO drama series ''[[The Wire]]''. From 2002 to 2004, Elba portrayed [[Stringer Bell]] in the series, perhaps his best-known role in the United States.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} Elba is also known for playing the character Aaron Smith in the 2003 [[Cinema of Jamaica|Jamaican film]], ''[[One Love (2003 film)|One Love]]''.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Elgood |first1=Rick |title=One Love |date=2005-07-15 |type=Drama, Music, Romance |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387467/?ref_=nm_rvi_i_3 |access-date=2025-05-13 |others=Ky-Mani Marley, Cherine Anderson, Idris Elba |publisher=Exposed Film Productions AS, One Love Films |last2=Letts |first2=Don}}</ref>

=== 2005–2019: ''Luther'' and stardom ===
[[File:RockNRolla08TIFF.jpg|thumb|Elba (''back row, centre'') with the cast of ''[[RocknRolla]]'' at the 2008 [[Toronto International Film Festival]]]]
In 2005, he portrayed [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]] Augustin Muganza in ''[[Sometimes in April]]'', an HBO film about the [[Rwandan genocide]]. Elba appeared on the 2007 [[BET]] special ''Black Men: The Truth''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Idris Elba |url=http://uk.askmen.com/celebs/men/entertainment/idris-elba/ |work=askmen.com |access-date=17 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807231102/http://uk.askmen.com/celebs/men/entertainment/idris-elba/ |archive-date=7 August 2013 }}</ref> He appeared as Charlie Gotso on ''[[The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (TV series)|The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency]]'', filmed in [[Botswana]].<ref name="variety">{{cite news|title='Detective Agency' finds big auds |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/detective-agency-finds-big-auds-1117982869/ |access-date=11 April 2009 |first=Archie |last=Thomas |date=25 March 2008}}</ref> The series premiered on 23 March 2008, Easter Sunday, on BBC One, receiving a high 6.3&nbsp;million viewers and 27% of the audience share.<ref>{{cite news |title=Minghella's last film watched by 6.3m |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/25/tvratings.television |access-date=11 April 2009 |location=London |first=John |last=Plunkett |date=25 March 2008}}</ref> In January 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that Elba would portray [[List of The Office (U.S. TV series) characters#Charles Miner|Charles Miner]], a new rival to Dunder Mifflin regional manager Michael Scott ([[Steve Carell]]) for [[NBC]]'s ''[[The Office (U.S. TV series)|The Office]]''.<ref name="variety"/> Elba appeared in a six-episode story arc later in the 2009 season, as well as the season finale.<ref name="variety"/> In September 2009, he signed a deal to star as the lead role on the six-part BBC television series ''[[Luther (TV series)|Luther]]'', which aired in May 2010.<ref name="Luther"/> He appeared on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime's]] ''[[The Big C (TV series)|The Big C]]'' in 2010.<ref name="Deadline">{{cite web |title=Idris Elba Is New Alex Cross in Relaunched James Patterson Film Franchise |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=18 August 2010 |url=https://deadline.com/2010/08/idris-elba-is-new-alex-cross-in-relaunched-james-patterson-film-franchise-62037/ |access-date=19 August 2010}}</ref> At the [[69th Golden Globe Awards]] telecast on 15 January 2012, Elba won [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film|Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film]] for his role on the BBC crime thriller series ''Luther''.<ref name="Luther"/>

In 2007, Elba signed on to play the lead role of the film ''[[Daddy's Little Girls]]'', playing Monty, a blue-collar mechanic who falls in love with an attorney helping him gain custody of his kids, and finds the relationship and his custody hopes threatened by the return of his former wife. He appeared in ''[[28 Weeks Later]]'' (2007) and ''[[This Christmas (2007 film)|This Christmas]]'' (2007), which brought in nearly $50&nbsp;million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=50000000|start_year=2007}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) at the box office in 2007.<ref name="moviesonline">{{cite web|title=Idris Elba and Columbus Short Interview, This Christmas |publisher=Moviesonline.ca |url=http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_13494.html |access-date=11 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114063242/http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_13494.html |archive-date=14 January 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=This Christmas|publisher=Thenumbers.com|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2007/TCHRS.php|access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> In 2008, he starred in the horror film ''[[Prom Night (2008 film)|Prom Night]]'' and the [[Guy Ritchie]] London gangster film ''[[RocknRolla]]''.<ref name="moviesonline"/> In 2009, he starred in the horror film ''[[The Unborn (2009 film)|The Unborn]]'' and in ''[[Obsessed (2009 film)|Obsessed]]'', a thriller that had him cast opposite [[Beyoncé]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Idris Elba And Beyonce To Play Married Couple In 'Obsessed'| publisher =Blackvoices.com|url=http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/03/06/idris-elba-and-beyonce-to-play-married-couple-in-obsessed/|access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> The latter was a box office success, taking $29&nbsp;million in its opening weekend.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekend Report: Moviegoers Fixate on 'Obsessed'|publisher=Box Office Mojo|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2581&p=.htm|access-date=26 April 2009}}</ref> Elba's next film was ''[[Legacy (2010 film)|Legacy]]'' (2010),<ref name="UKPA">{{cite web|date=8 July 2009|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h_xUEDxNYFY1a0hUDXk---CCuTwQ|title=Idris Elba gets his kit off on set|work=UKPA|access-date=21 July 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> in which he portrayed a [[black ops]] soldier who returns to Brooklyn after a failed mission in Eastern Europe, where he has undertaken a journey looking for retribution.<ref name="UKPA"/> He starred in [[Dark Castle]]'s adaptation of [[DC Comics|DC]]/[[Vertigo (DC Comics)|Vertigo's]] ''[[The Losers (Vertigo)|The Losers]]'', under the direction of [[Sylvain White]], in the role of Roque, the second-in-command of a black-ops team out for revenge against a government that did them wrong.<ref>{{cite web|title=Idris Elba Confirmed For 'The Losers,' Zoe Saldana Playing Aisha|first=Josh |last=Wigler|publisher=MTV|url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/04/02/idris-elba-confirmed-for-the-losers-zoe-saldana-playing-aisha|date=2 April 2009|access-date=11 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405194051/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/04/02/idris-elba-confirmed-for-the-losers-zoe-saldana-playing-aisha|archive-date=5 April 2009}}</ref> Filming took place in [[Puerto Rico]], and the movie was released in April 2010.<ref name="Business Wire">{{cite web|date=29 July 2009|url=http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090729006447&newsLang=en|title='The Losers' Commences Production for Dark Castle Entertainment|work=[[Business Wire]]|access-date=5 August 2009}}</ref> Elba appeared in the thriller ''[[Takers]]'' (2010). He played [[Heimdall (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Heimdall]] in [[Kenneth Branagh]]'s film ''Thor'' (2011), based on the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|superhero of the same name]].<ref name="elba">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-elba-idUKTRE5AJ0ZT20091120/|title=Idris Elba joins Marvel Studios' 'Thor'|first= Borys|last=Kit|work=Reuters|date=20 November 2009|access-date=26 March 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Molly's Game 03 (36342680794).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Elba at the premiere of ''Molly's Game'', [[2017 Toronto International Film Festival]]]]
In August 2010, Elba signed up to portray the title character in a reboot of [[James Patterson]]'s [[Alex Cross]] film franchise.<ref name="Deadline"/> However, in February 2011, he was replaced by [[Tyler Perry]].<ref name = "perryin_elbaout">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2011/02/01/tyler-perry-alex-cross-idris-elba|title=Tyler Perry in, Idris Elba out of Alex Cross reboot: Producer explains why – EXCLUSIVE|last=Bierly |first=Mandi |date=1 February 2011 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=18 September 2011}}</ref> In ''[[Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance]]'' (2011), the sequel to ''[[Ghost Rider (2007 film)|Ghost Rider]]'' (2007), Elba played an alcoholic warrior monk tasked with finding the title character.<ref name="elbaandwhitworth">{{cite news|url=http://heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/10/ghost-rider-2-nicolas-cage-idris-elba-johnny-whitworth.html|title=Idris Elba, Johnny Whitworth gear up for 'Ghost Rider 2'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Boris|last=Kit|date=5 October 2010|access-date=6 October 2010|archive-date=9 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009012407/http://heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/10/ghost-rider-2-nicolas-cage-idris-elba-johnny-whitworth.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 2012, Elba confirmed that he would portray Nelson Mandela in the film ''Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'', which is based on his [[Long Walk to Freedom|autobiography]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/idris-elba-mandela_n_1295010.html|title=Confirmed! Idris Elba set to play Nelson Mandela in Biopic|work=HuffPost|access-date=23 February 2012|first=Lucette|last=Jefferson|date=22 February 2012}}</ref> As part of his preparation for the role, Elba spent a night locked in a cell alone on [[Maximum Security Prison, Robben Island|Robben Island]], where Mandela had been imprisoned.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/07/idris-elba-nelson-mandela_n_4400768.html |title=Idris Elba Describes Chilling Night In Nelson Mandela's Prison (VIDEO) |journal=[[HuffPost]] |date=7 December 2013 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref> His performance earned him a nomination for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama]]. In June 2012, Elba portrayed the role of Captain Janek in Ridley Scott's ''Prometheus''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/2012/09/prometheus-video-idris-elba|title=Prometheus video teases more from Idris Elba's Captain Janek|work=IFC |publisher=ifc.com|date=September 2012|access-date=13 April 2016}}</ref> He joined the cast of the film ''Pacific Rim'' (2013) in the role of Stacker Pentecost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/archives/its_official_idris_elba_will_star_in_guillermo_del_toros_pacific_rim_bla|title=It's Official! Idris Elba Will Star in Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim" (Black Superhero Next?)|publisher=Blogs.indiewire.com|access-date=28 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710105832/http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/archives/its_official_idris_elba_will_star_in_guillermo_del_toros_pacific_rim_bla|archive-date=10 July 2012}}</ref> He reprised his role as Heimdall in ''[[Thor: The Dark World]]'' in 2013. In January 2014, he confirmed that he would be starring in a film adaptation of ''Luther''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/mandelas-idris-elba-confirms-luther-2984600 |title=Mandela actor Idris Elba confirms Luther film |work=The Mirror |date=3 January 2014}}</ref> In 2014, he starred in ''[[No Good Deed (2014 film)|No Good Deed]]'' as a vengeful psychopathic serial killer.

In 2015, Elba appeared as Heimdall in the superhero blockbuster ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'', directed by [[Joss Whedon]]. Elba also starred alongside [[Abraham Attah]] in the film ''[[Beasts of No Nation (film)|Beasts of No Nation]]'', which premiered in select theatres and on [[Netflix]]. He earned a [[Golden Globe Award]] nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture, as well as a [[BAFTA Award]] nomination for Supporting Actor in the Film category. In 2016, he had several voice roles: the cape buffalo chief of police, Chief Bogo, in Disney's ''Zootopia'', alongside [[Ginnifer Goodwin]] and [[Jason Bateman]]; villainous tiger [[Shere Khan]] in ''[[The Jungle Book (2016 film)|The Jungle Book]]'' (2016), a live-action adaptation of [[The Jungle Book (1967 film)|the animated 1967 film of the same name]], directed by [[Jon Favreau]]; and sea lion Fluke in [[Pixar]]'s ''[[Finding Dory]]'', alongside [[Ellen DeGeneres]] and [[Albert Brooks]] in ''[[Finding Nemo]]'' (2003). Also that year, he played the main antagonist, Krall, in the sequel ''[[Star Trek Beyond]]''.

[[File:Idris Elba-5272.jpg|thumb|upright|Elba in 2018]]
In 2017, he played [[Roland Deschain]] in the Stephen King film adaptation ''[[The Dark Tower (2017 film)|The Dark Tower]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/29/dark-tower-rises-stephen-king-idris-elba-and-matthew-mcconaughey|title='The Dark Tower' rises: Stephen King confirms stars Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> starred in ''[[The Mountain Between Us (film)|The Mountain Between Us]]'' and [[Aaron Sorkin]]'s directorial debut ''[[Molly's Game]]'', alongside [[Jessica Chastain]]. In April 2018, it was announced that Elba was cast as Charlie in the Netflix comedy series, ''[[Turn Up Charlie]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Otterson|first1=Joe|title=Idris Elba to Star in Netflix Comedy Series 'Turn Up Charlie'|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/idris-elba-netflix-comedy-series-turn-up-charlie-1202756227/|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=21 February 2019|date=18 April 2018}}</ref> It premiered on 15 March 2019 and was cancelled after one season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/idris-elba-turn-up-charlie-canceled-netflix-one-season-1202918925/|title=Idris Elba's 'Turn Up Charlie' Canceled By Netflix After One Season|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=27 April 2020|access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> He also created and starred in the semi-autobiographical comedy ''[[In the Long Run]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sturges |first=Fiona |date=24 March 2018 |title=In the Long Run: Idris Elba's joyful portrait of community in 1980s Hackney |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/mar/24/idris-elba-in-the-long-run |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=4 April 2019 }}</ref> In 2019, Elba starred as the villain in ''[[Hobbs & Shaw|Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw]]'', a spin-off of ''[[Fast & Furious]]'' franchise, and played Macavity in [[Tom Hooper]]'s [[Cats (2019 film)|film adaptation]] of [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]'s musical, ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/2018/10/16/idris-elba-joins-cats-movie/|title=Idris Elba to join Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift in Cats movie adaptation|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017082254/https://ew.com/movies/2018/10/16/idris-elba-joins-cats-movie/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2020–present ===
In 2021, Elba portrayed mercenary [[Bloodsport (character)|Robert "Milton" DuBois / Bloodsport]] in [[James Gunn]]'s ''[[The Suicide Squad (film)|The Suicide Squad]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bonomolo |first=Cameron |date=6 December 2020 |title=The Suicide Squad Reveals New Look at Idris Elba's Badass and Brutal Bloodsport |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-bloodsport-idris-elba-new-look-james-gunn-ccxp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207234412/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-bloodsport-idris-elba-new-look-james-gunn-ccxp/ |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=7 December 2020 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref> In 2022, Elba was the voice of [[Knuckles the Echidna]] in the film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'', a sequel to the film ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' which is itself based on the franchise [[Sonic the Hedgehog|of the same name]]. He reprised the role in a [[Knuckles (TV series)|self-titled solo series]] for [[Paramount+]] and returned for ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (film)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'', both in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=10 August 2021 |title=Sonic Movie 2: Idris Elba Cast as Knuckles |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-movie-2-knuckles-voice-actor-idris-elba |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=IGN }}</ref> Elba provided voice-acting and his likeness to the character Solomon Reed in ''[[Phantom Liberty]]'', a 2023 [[Downloadable content|downloadable expansion]] for [[CD Projekt|CD Projekt Red]]'s 2020 video game ''[[Cyberpunk 2077]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty — Official Teaser #2 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrHb2p4YPT0 |via=YouTube |date=9 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022}}</ref> In 2025, he played both the [[prime minister of the United Kingdom]] in ''[[Heads of State (film)|Heads of State]]'', and the [[president of the United States]] in ''[[A House of Dynamite]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Alex Ritman |author2=Rebecca Rubin |author3=Elsa Keslassy |date=2025-09-02 |title=Idris Elba as U.S. President Leads Kathryn Bigelow’s Nuclear War Thriller 'A House of Dynamite' to Powerful 11-Minute Venice Ovation |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/festivals/idris-elba-house-of-dynamite-venice-ovation-1236504768/ |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=2025-04-23 |title=John Cena & Idris Elba Confront Global Conspiracy As 'Heads of State' in First Trailer for Amazon MGM Action Comedy |url=https://deadline.com/video/heads-of-state-trailer-john-cena-idris-elba/ |access-date=2025-09-05 |website=Deadline}}</ref>

On 22 November 2024, ''Deadline'' announced he was cast as Duncan, Man-at-Arms in [[Amazon Prime]]'s movie ''[[Masters of the Universe (2026 film)|Masters of the Universe]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://deadline.com/2024/11/idris-elba-set-for-masters-of-the-universe-1236186016/ |title= Idris Elba Set for 'Masters of the Universe' 
|first1=Mike Jr. |last1=Fleming |date=22 November 2024|website=Deadline}}</ref>

== Production company ==
Elba signed a deal with Apple to produce original content through his Green Door Pictures production company.<ref>{{cite web|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=13 July 2020|title=Idris Elba Signs First-Look Deal With Apple|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/idris-elba-first-look-deal-apple-1234704704/|access-date=8 August 2020|website=Variety}}</ref> In February 2021, it was reported that the companies of Elba and his wife, [[Sabrina Dhowre]], would be developing an [[Afrofuturist]] adult animated sci-fi series, tentatively titled ''Dantai'', for [[Crunchyroll]], which would be about a time when [[biotech]] has "created an ever-widening gap between the haves and have-nots."<ref>{{cite web|title=Idris Elba's Afrofuturist animated series coming to Crunchyroll|url=https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2021/2/2/22262385/idris-elba-crunchyroll-anime-afrofuturist-cartoon|last=Patches|first=Matt|date=2 February 2021|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203204325/https://www.polygon.com/animation-cartoons/2021/2/2/22262385/idris-elba-crunchyroll-anime-afrofuturist-cartoon|archive-date=3 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Turner|first=Ashley|title=Idris Elba and Wife Sabrina Are Debuting a New Afro-Futuristic Anime Via Streaming Service Crunchyroll: 'We're Both Fans of the Genre'| url= https://atlantablackstar.com/2021/02/08/idris-elba-and-wife-sabrina-are-debuting-a-new-afro-futuristic-anime-via-crunchyroll-were-both-fans-of-the-genre/|date=8 February 2021| work= [[Atlanta Black Star]]|access-date=30 August 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210208210325/https://atlantablackstar.com/2021/02/08/idris-elba-and-wife-sabrina-are-debuting-a-new-afro-futuristic-anime-via-crunchyroll-were-both-fans-of-the-genre/|archive-date=8 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/idris-elba-sabirna-elba-crunchyroll-anime-1234898245/|title=Crunchyroll Inks Deal With Idris and Sabrina Elba for Dark Fantasy Anime Series|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=2 February 2021|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530074059/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/idris-elba-sabirna-elba-crunchyroll-anime-1234898245/|archive-date=30 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In an April 2021 interview with ''[[Den of Geek]]'', he said the series is "mainly the brainchild" of his wife, whom he described as a "super geek when it comes to anime".<ref>{{cite interview |last=Elba |first=Idris |subject-link=Idris Elba |interviewer=Stephanie Williams |title=The Suicide Squad: How Idris Elba Brings Bloodsport to Life |work=[[Den of Geek]] |date=21 April 2021 |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-how-idris-elba-brings-bloodsport-to-life/ |access-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502083348/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-how-idris-elba-brings-bloodsport-to-life/ |archive-date=2 May 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2024, Elba launched a new production company called 22Summers with former Pulse & BBC exec Diene Petterle.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=10 June 2024 |title=Idris Elba Launches New Production Company 22Summers With Former Pulse & BBC Exec Diene Petterle |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/idris-elba-production-company-22summers-diene-petterle-1235962001/ |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=Deadline }}</ref> In August 2024, Elba received approval from the Tanzanian government to establish a film studio in [[Zanzibar]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Ademola |first=Bisi |date=5 August 2024 |title=Idris Elba Granted Approval To Establish 'Zollywood' Film Studio In Zanzibar|url=https://africanfolder.com/idris-elba-zollywood-film-studio-in-zanzibar/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=African Folder }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Frost |first=Caroline |date=3 August 2024 |title=Idris Elba Given Govt Permission To Build "Zollywood" Film Studio In Zanzibar, East Africa
|url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/idris-elba-permission-to-build-zollywood-film-studio-zanzibar-east-africa-zollywood-1236030788/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Deadline}}</ref> In September 2024, Elba joined [[Things Fall Apart (upcoming TV series)|''Things Fall Apart'']] as an actor and executive producer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title=Idris Elba to Star in 'Things Fall Apart' TV Series From A24, Elba's 22Summers, David Oyelowo (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/idris-elba-things-fall-apart-tv-series-a24-david-oyelowo-1236156154/ |access-date=20 March 2025 |work=Variety |date=26 September 2024}}</ref>

In January 2025, Idris Elba premiered a documentary into knife and gang-related crimes in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quartey |first=Jonathan |date=2025-01-31 |title=Idris Elba Premiers 'Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crises' Documentary {{!}} Now Accra |url=https://nowaccra.com/2025/01/31/idris-elba-premiers-idris-elba-our-knife-crime-crises-documentary/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Other ventures ==
=== Music ===
[[File:Idris Elba 2007 Cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Elba at the [[American Music Awards]] in 2007]]
Elba has appeared in music videos for [[Fat Joe]] (2002),<ref>{{youTube|QE36OI8Za6o|Fat Joe – All I Need}}</ref> [[Angie Stone]] (2004)<ref>{{youTube|W5ZUTTQHOfM|Angie Stone – I Wanna Thank Ya}}</ref> and rapper [[Giggs (rapper)|Giggs]] (2010).<ref>{{youTube|K8_XbEmQHNM|Giggs – Hustle on official video}}</ref> In 2006, he recorded the four-song [[Extended play|EP]] ''Big Man'' for Hevlar Records. He co-produced and performed on the intro to [[Jay-Z]]'s album ''[[American Gangster (album)|American Gangster]]'' (2007). He DJed at the 2007 [[NBA]] All-Star parties at [[The Venetian Las Vegas|The Venetian]] and Ice House Lounge in [[Las Vegas]].<ref name="Ties">{{cite news|first=John |last=McMurtrie|date=11 February 2007|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/11/PKG4MNV3NJ1.DTL&hw=Elba&sn=001&sc=1000|title=Ties to 'Wire' cut – but new work calls|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> In July 2009, Elba was the DJ for [[Black Entertainment Television|BET's]] current series ''Rising Icons''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Keri Hilson, The Dream and Idris Elba party with BET |publisher=S2Smagazine.com |url=http://www.s2smagazine.com/node/1381 |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=29 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724161300/http://www.s2smagazine.com/node/1381 |archive-date=24 July 2011 }}</ref> He announced the release of his first single "Please Be True".<ref name="Jamaica Gleaner">{{cite web|first=Davina |last=Morris |date=5 July 2009 |url=http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090705/ent/ent5.html |title=Man of many talents – Actor Idris Elba returns to his first love, music, with the release of his new single |work=Jamaica Gleaner |access-date=29 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816085502/http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090705/ent/ent5.html |archive-date=16 August 2009 }}</ref> In the August 2009 issue of ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]'', he announced the title of his six-song EP as ''Kings Among Kings''.<ref name="Essence">{{cite web|first=Jeannine |last=Amber |date=13 July 2009 |url=http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/idris_elba_covers_essence |title=ESSENCE August Issue: Sexy Talk With Idris Elba |work=Essence |access-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817203109/http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/idris_elba_covers_essence |archive-date=17 August 2009 }}</ref> He released his EP ''High Class Problems Vol. 1'' in the United Kingdom in February 2010, for which he has won many prizes, including a ''Billboard'' Music Awards nomination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://driis.com/blog/2010/02/08/high-class-problems-available-today|title=High Class Problems – Available Today!!!|publisher=driis|date=8 February 2010|access-date=28 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314134843/http://driis.com/blog/2010/02/08/high-class-problems-available-today/|archive-date=14 March 2012}}</ref>

In 2011, he performed on the intro to [[Pharoahe Monch]]'s album ''[[W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)|W.A.R.]]''. In the following year, he co-directed and performed in the [[Mumford & Sons]] music video for "[[Lover of the Light]]".<ref>{{cite web |date=14 November 2012 |title=Mumford & Sons Only 'Think' They Understand 'Lover Of The Light' Video |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697394/mumford-and-sons-lover-of-the-light-music-video.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116130748/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697394/mumford-and-sons-lover-of-the-light-music-video.jhtml |archive-date=16 January 2014 |website=[[MTV]]}}</ref> In 2014, he produced [[K. Michelle]]'s "The Rebellious Soul Musical" which debuted on [[VH1]] on 19 August 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theurbandaily.com/2014/02/03/k-michelle-in-idris-elba-directed-musical/ |title=K. Michelle To Star In Idris Elba Directed Musical |work=The Urban Daily |date=3 February 2014 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref> In May, Elba featured on [[Mr Hudson]]'s single "Step Into the Shadows". Mr Hudson also produced his album ''Idris Elba Presents Mi Mandela'', released in November 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/11238137/Idris-Elba-Presents-Mi-Mandela-album-stream3.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/11238137/Idris-Elba-Presents-Mi-Mandela-album-stream3.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Idris Elba Presents Mi Mandela: album stream|date=18 November 2014|last1=Morgan|first1=Clive}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>Andy Gill, [https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/idris-elba-presents-mi-mandela-album-review-a-marvellous-alliance-of-ancient-and-modern-styles-9874681.html "Idris Elba Presents mi Mandela, album review: A marvellous alliance of ancient and modern styles"], ''The Independent'', 21 November 2014.</ref> He also featured on the remix of the Ghanaian music group, VVIP's single "Selfie" together with Nigerian rapper [[Phyno]] released on 12 September 2014, and the video was released on YouTube on 11 April 2015.

Elba performed a rap for the second album by [[Noel Fielding]] and [[Sergio Pizzorno]]'s band, the [[Loose Tapestries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/kasabian/78731|title=Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno and comedian Noel Fielding tease 'Wu-Tang Clan' live shows|website=[[NME]]|access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> Elba also rapped in a remix of [[Skepta]]'s "Shutdown" which was uploaded on 1 June 2015 to SoundCloud.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Idris Elba Raps About His 'Wire' Character in Skepta's 'Shutdown' Remix|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/idris-elba-raps-about-his-wire-character-in-skeptas-shutdown-6583367/|magazine=Billboard|date=27 October 2017}}</ref> On 17 August, a song was released on which Elba appeared on Nigerian singer [[D'banj]]'s single "Confidential", featuring Sierra Leonean rapper Shadow Boxer with the video uploaded to YouTube on 20 August. In November 2015, Elba opened for [[Madonna]] during her [[Rebel Heart Tour]] in Berlin, Germany. Elba is also featured on the [[Macklemore & Ryan Lewis]] album ''[[This Unruly Mess I've Made]]'' (2016). He had the idea to develop the music from his album ''Idris Elba Presents Mi Mandela'' into a show, which eventually resulted in a play called ''Tree'' that premiered at the [[Manchester International Festival]] in 2019.<ref name="bbctree">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48887673|title=Can Idris Elba turn an album into a play? ★★★☆☆|work=BBC News|date=6 July 2019}}</ref> However, authorship of the piece was disputed. On 2 July 2019, ''[[The Guardian]]'' published a story describing how writers Tori Allen-Martin and Sarah Henley said they had been removed from the production under what they described as questionable circumstances.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Brown|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/jul/02/writers-claim-being-excluded-after-creating-idris-elbas-play|title=Writers claim being excluded after creating Idris Elba's play|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 July 2019}}</ref> The two writers had worked on the project for four years, following an approach from Elba asking them to develop his idea for a musical based on the album, on which Allen-Martin had also collaborated. [[Kwame Kwei-Armah]] joined the project in May 2018, and rewrote part of their material. At the time of its premiere, ''Tree'' was billed as "created by Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://mif.co.uk/whats-on/tree/|title=TREE|website=mif.co.uk|access-date=3 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="bbctree" /> Allen-Martin and Henley described their creative input as having included research and script-writing, as well as coming up with the play's title, and that after being removed, they were threatened with legal action if they went public with the story.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Tori|last1=Allen-Martin|first2=Sarah |last2=Henley|url=https://medium.com/@toriandsarahburnbright/tree-a-story-of-gender-and-power-in-theatre-23b8a2468224|title=Tree. A Story of Gender and Power in Theatre|website=medium.com|date=2 July 2019}}</ref> Elba and Kwei-Armah both published rebuttals of what happened on Twitter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48843348|title=Dispute over Elba play Tree as writers claim they were 'pushed off'|work=BBC News|date=2 July 2019|access-date=3 July 2019}}</ref>

In July 2018, he launched his record label, 7Wallace Music.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stutz |first1=Colin |title=Idris Elba Launches New Record Label 7Wallace Music, Announces French Artist James BKS as First Signing |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8463870/idris-elba-launches-new-record-label-7wallace-music-announces-french-artist |access-date=10 February 2019 |agency=Billboard |date=3 July 2018}}</ref> Elba performed at [[Coachella|Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]] in April 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/coachella-announces-2019-lineup-one-artist-at-a-time/ |title=Coachella 2019: Full Lineup Announced |website=Pitchfork |date=2 January 2019 |access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> In 2019, he featured on the track "[[Boasty]]" by British [[grime music|grime]] artist [[Wiley (musician)|Wiley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/07/wiley-stefflon-don-sean-paul-idris-elba-boasty|title=Sean Paul, Idris Elba, Stefflon Don, and 'Wiley' link-up in their 'Boasty' video|website=[[The Fader]]|last=Renshaw|first=David|date=7 March 2019|access-date=17 July 2019}}</ref> Elba also appears in the "Boasty" music video, delivering his verse in a mansion that includes a film set.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/3/wiley-stefflon-don-sean-paul-idris-elba-boasty-stream|title=Wiley Releases Music Video for "Boasty" Featuring Idris Elba, Sean Paul & Stefflon Don|website=Hypebeast|last=Brain|first=Eric|date=7 March 2019|access-date=17 July 2019}}</ref> In 2019, Elba appears on [[Taylor Swift]]'s song "[[London Boy (song)|London Boy]]" from her seventh studio album ''[[Lover (album)|Lover]]''. The intro of the song samples a snippet from an interview by Elba.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-lover-album-review-1203311445/|title=Album Review: Taylor Swift's 'Lover'|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=23 August 2019|website=Variety|access-date=25 August 2019}}</ref> In April 2020, Elba collaborated with producer Jay Robinson on the track "Know Yourself", released on [[Mau5trap]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Tost|first=Miguel|date=26 April 2020|title=Idris Elba Makes His Debut On Deadmau5's Label With Stunning New Collab [LISTEN]|url=https://www.youredm.com/2020/04/25/idris-elba-featured-on-jay-robinson-track-out-on-mau5trap-listen/|access-date=13 June 2020|website=Your EDM}}</ref>

In 2020, after hearing Canadian [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer [[Emanuel (musician)|Emanuel]]'s debut single "Need You", Elba reached out with an idea for a music video compiled from clips of people sharing the things that were helping them cope with the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name=bliss>Karen Bliss, [https://www.complex.com/music/2020/12/emanuel-2020-interview "Meet Emanuel, the Idris Elba-Approved Singer Who Can Heal Us All"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605203924/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/12/emanuel-2020-interview |date=5 June 2021 }}. ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'', 4 December 2020.</ref> Elba was credited as the creative director of the video and is being credited as an executive producer of Emanuel's forthcoming full-length debut album.<ref name=bliss/> On 13 February 2021, Elba performed a guest [[DJ mix]] for ''[[Mix Up (radio show)|Mix Up]]'' on Australian national youth broadcaster [[Triple J]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/mix-up/idris-elba-dj-set/13136986/ |title=Mix Up: Idris Elba |publisher=[[Triple J]] |date=13 February 2021 |access-date=16 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215105341/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/mix-up/idris-elba-dj-set/13136986/ |archive-date=15 February 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 September 2021, Elba announced he would be releasing a collaborative EP with Australian pop rock duo [[Lime Cordiale]] titled ''[[Cordi Elba]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/lime-cordiale-announce-joint-mini-album-with-idris-elba-3051516/ |title=Lime Cordiale announce joint mini-album with Idris Elba |work=[[NME Australia]] |date=22 September 2021 |access-date=17 December 2021 |last=Triscari |first=Caleb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922120202/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/lime-cordiale-announce-joint-mini-album-with-idris-elba-3051516/ |archive-date=22 September 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> which was released on 14 January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/lime-cordiale-and-idris-elba-release-mini-album-cordi-elba/ |title=Lime Cordiale and Idris Elba release mini album 'Cordi Elba' |work=Tone Deaf |date=14 January 2022 |access-date=16 January 2022 |last=Lochrie |first=Conor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114001234/https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/lime-cordiale-and-idris-elba-release-mini-album-cordi-elba/ |archive-date=14 January 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Elba also collaborated with [[Paul McCartney]] on a remix of his song "Long Tailed Winter Bird".<ref name="McCartney">{{cite tweet |user=PaulMcCartney |author-link=Paul McCartney |number=1421373815989231623 |title=🎶Do you, do-do, do you miss me? Do you, do-do, do you feel me? 🎲 Watch the visualizer for 'Long Tailed Winter Bird' (@IdrisElba Remix)' on @YouTube here: https://PaulMcCartney.lnk.to/IdrisElbaVisTP |date=31 July 2021 |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731073521/https://www.twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1421373815989231623/ |archive-date=31 July 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 8 January 2024, Elba released the song "Knives Down"<ref>{{cite web |title=Idris Elba – Knives Down feat. DB Maz [Music Video] |date=8 January 2024 |publisher=GRM Daily |via=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUSFgjhIiGU }}</ref> featuring UK rapper DB Maz as a part of his campaign against knife crime in the UK.<ref>{{cite news |title=Idris Elba urges stronger action on knife crime |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67903124 |work=BBC News |date=8 January 2024}}</ref> With the release of the ''[[Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty|Phantom Liberty]]'' [[Downloadable content|downloadable expansion]] for [[CD Projekt|CD Projekt Red]]'s 2020 video game ''[[Cyberpunk 2077]]'', two of three new radio stations introduced feature Elba. These are listed as 107.5 Darkstar Radio and 99.9 Impulse Radio. 107.5 Darkstar introduces two new tracks by Elba ("Choke Hold", "Roller Coaster"), and 99.9 Impulse features an hour-long DJ set by Elba and Private Press.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pine |first=Julio La |date=14 September 2023 |title=Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty to Feature New Music by Idris Elba |url=https://thenerdstash.com/cyberpunk-2077-phantom-liberty-to-feature-new-music-by-idris-elba/ |access-date=2 October 2023 |website=The Nerd Stash }}</ref> On 24 January 2024, [[Detroit Electronic Music Festival|Movement Electronic Music Festival]] in Detroit announced that Elba would be performing a back-to-back DJ set with veteran [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] DJ and producer [[Kevin Saunderson]] in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Movement Music Festival – Detroit |date=24 January 2024 |url=https://movementfestival.com/pages/lineup |website=movementfestival.com|access-date=24 January 2024}}</ref>

In 2024, Idris began his own label "Sound International" inspired by his uncle's legendary 1980s London "Sound System" which had an open-minded approach to music; the label aims to showcase diverse house music talent from around the world, with a goal to sign records from every country, highlighting the global unity and freedom within the house music genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/idriselba/reel/DA37RrSonMK/|title= Idris Elba Reel|date=8 October 2024|access-date=5 March 2025}}</ref>

=== Kickboxing ===
Discovery Channel produced a documentary, ''Idris Elba: Fighter'', chronicling Elba's twelve-month [[kickboxing]] and [[mixed martial arts]] training<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/08/24/idris-elba-is-becoming-a-kickboxer-and-theres-a-documentary-to-p/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/08/24/idris-elba-is-becoming-a-kickboxer-and-theres-a-documentary-to-p/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Idris Elba is becoming a kickboxer, and there's a documentary to prove it |last=Vincent |first=Alice |date=24 August 2016 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London |access-date=12 February 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> under [[Muay Thai]] coach Kieran Keddle,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/an-interview-with-idris-elbas-kickboxing-coach/ |title=An Interview With Idris Elba's Kickboxing Coach |last=Kurchak |first=Sarah |date=2 September 2016 |website=[[Fightland]] |access-date=12 February 2017 |archive-date=13 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213002420/http://fightland.vice.com/blog/an-interview-with-idris-elbas-kickboxing-coach |url-status=live }}</ref> culminating in Elba's first professional kickboxing fight—and win—against Lionel Graves, a younger, more experienced Dutch opponent, at London's [[York Hall]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/205632/watch-actor-idris-elba-wins-kickboxing-match-at-age-44 |title=WATCH: Actor Idris Elba wins kickboxing match at age 44 |last=Ibarrola |first=Khristian |date=3 November 2016 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |access-date=12 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/idris-elba-new-kickboxing-role-9613465 |title=Idris Elba on new kickboxing role: When I fought I'd hear my mum saying 'Don't let him kick you in the head' |last=Corcoran |first=Rachel |date=12 January 2017|website=[[Daily Mirror]] |access-date=19 February 2017}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Kickboxing record
|-
! Date !! Result !! Opponent !! Event !! Location !! Method !! Round !! Time !! Record
|-
| 28 August 2016 || {{yes2|'''Win'''}} ||align=left| {{flagicon|NED}} Lionel Graves || [[Glory (kickboxing)|Road to Glory UK]] || London, United Kingdom || TKO || 1 || N/A || 1–0
|}

=== Motorsport ===
On 11 February 2025, it was announced that Elba invested in [[Kiro Race Co]], a team competing in the [[Formula E|FIA Formula E World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Jack Oliver |title=Idris Elba part of 'expanded' ownership of Kiro Formula E team |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/02/11/idris-elba-part-of-expanded-ownership-of-kiro-formula-e-team/ |website=MotorsportWeek.com |date=11 February 2025 |access-date=11 February 2025}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
=== Marriages and family ===
Elba was married to Danish stylist Hanne "Kim" Nørgaard from 1999 until their divorce in 2003. He was then married to American real estate lawyer Sonya Nicole Hamlin for four months in 2006. He has a daughter with Nørgaard<ref>{{cite news|title=Idris Elba 'splits with long-term girlfriend Naiyana Garth|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/12149470/Idris-Elba-splits-with-long-term-girlfriend-Naiyana-Garth.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/12149470/Idris-Elba-splits-with-long-term-girlfriend-Naiyana-Garth.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and a son with English makeup artist Naiyana Garth.<ref>{{cite news|last=Webber |first=Stephanie |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/idris-elba-welcomes-baby-boy-winston-with-naiyana-garth-first-picture-2014184 |title=Idris Elba Welcomes Baby Boy Winston With Naiyana Garth: First Picture |work=[[Us Weekly]] |date=18 April 2014 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref> He began a relationship with Canadian model and businesswoman [[Sabrina Dhowre]] in early 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/entertainment-arts-43019334 |title=Idris Elba's surprise marriage proposal |date=10 February 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=11 February 2018}}</ref> They became engaged on 10 February 2018, during a screening of his film ''[[Yardie (film)|Yardie]]'' at an [[East London]] cinema,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-43024140 |title=Yardie actor on Idris Elba proposal: I had tears in my eyes |last=Moore |first=Hannah |date=11 February 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=11 February 2018}}</ref> and were married on 26 April 2019 in [[Marrakesh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-idris-elba-marries-sabrina-14780582|title=Idris Elba marries Sabrina Dhowre in secret ceremony|first=Emmeline|last=Saunders|date=27 April 2019|website=mirror}}</ref>

=== Activism ===
[[File:Secretary of State Justine and actor Idris Elba (15395070906).jpg|thumb|right|Elba and British cabinet minister [[Justine Greening]] at a meeting with diaspora representatives at the "Defeating Ebola in Sierra Leone" conference in [[London]], October 2014]]
In October 2014, Elba presented the series ''Journey Dot Africa with Idris Elba'' on [[BBC Radio 2]], exploring all types of [[African music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04k6c9g |title=Journey Dot Africa with Idris Elba |publisher=BBC Radio 2 |date=28 October 2014 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref> Elba was featured in various television commercials for [[Sky (United Kingdom)|Sky]] box-sets in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/nov/29/idris-elba-sky-advert|title=Idris Elba's new Sky advert: why can't he wink?|first=Dale|last= Shaw|date=29 November 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 September 2015}}</ref> He has collaborated with the [[Uk parliament|UK parliament]] in their efforts to eradicate [[Ebola]] from West Africa, working alongside the UK [[Secretary of State for International Development]] Justine Greening in 2014. Elba has created a collaboration with British fashion label [[Superdry]], which launched at the end of November 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title = Idris Elba's collaboration with Superdry puts the "luxe" in "sports luxe"|url = http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-06/30/idris-elba-superdry-menswear-collection-launch-date-pictures-prices|website = GQ|first= Nick|last= Carvell|date=30 June 2015|access-date =5 November 2015}}</ref>

In January 2016, Elba addressed the UK parliament regarding the concern of the lack of diversity on screen. He said: "Change is coming but it's taking its sweet time". He spoke about the lack of diversity regarding race, gender and sexuality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/idris-elba-diversity-speech-2016-1|title=Actor Idris Elba addressed British Parliament about the need for diversity on screen: 'Change is coming, but it's taking its sweet time'|last=Guerrasio|first=Jason|website=Business Insider|date=20 January 2016|access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref> The [[Prince's Trust]], a UK youth charity founded by [[Charles III|Prince Charles]] in 1976, which Elba credits with helping begin his career, appointed him as their anti-crime ambassador in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Idris Elba Becomes Anti Crime Ambassador|website=Looktothestars.com|date=8 April 2009|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/news/2332-idris-elba-becomes-anit-crime-ambassador|access-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> He served on the Board of Governors of the [[British Film Institute]] between 2018 and 2022.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 May 2018 |title=Four governors appointed to the British Film Institute |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-governors-appointed-to-the-british-film-institute |access-date=14 July 2024 |website=GOV.UK }}</ref> He voiced support for a vote to remain in the [[European Union]] for the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/eu-referendum-brexit-remain-who-do-celebrities-support-david-beckham-jk-rowling-a7094751.html|title=The celebrities that support Brexit (and the ones backing Remain)|work=The Independent|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Idris Elba announces his support for the UK to remain in the EU |url=https://filmindustry.network/idris-elba-announces-support-uk-remain-europe/31366 |publisher=Film Industry Network |date=15 June 2016}}</ref> He is a campaigner against knife crime.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rawlinson |first=Kevin |date=8 January 2024 |title=Idris Elba calls for immediate ban on machetes and 'zombie' knives |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/08/idris-elba-calls-for-immediate-ban-on-machetes-and-zombie-knives |access-date=25 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

[[File:Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts a meeting on Knife Crime alongside actor and anti-knife campaigner Idris Elba and families and victims of Knife Crime in 10 Downing Street, London, on 9 September 2024 - 2.jpg|thumb|Elba with [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|British prime minister]] [[Keir Starmer]] in 2024]]
[[File:King Charles and Idris Elba.jpg|thumb|Elba with [[Charles III|King Charles III]] in 2025]]
Elba attended the UK government's inaugural knife crime summit in 2024, alongside [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[Keir Starmer]] and Home Secretary [[Yvette Cooper]]. Elba emphasized the importance of action over mere discussion, advocating for a wide range of perspectives, including those of parents, youth workers, and law enforcement to address the issue. The summit aimed to unite various community groups, tech companies, sports organizations, and public services in an effort to halve knife crime over the next decade. Elba's Elba Hope Foundation was part of this coalition, which was also focusing on restricting online knife sales and tightening regulations on dangerous weapons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Idris Elba joins Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for launch of new anti-knife crime coalition |date=9 September 2024 |url=https://news.sky.com/story/idris-elba-joins-prime-minister-sir-keir-starmer-for-launch-of-new-anti-knife-crime-coalition-13211679 |access-date=9 September 2024}}</ref> In 2025, he suggested banning "ninja swords" and removing the points from kitchen knives as possible solutions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-29 |title=Idris Elba on stabbing crisis: 'Not all kitchen knives need a point on them' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jgz1ld7lno |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Interests ===
Elba has said that he is [[spiritual but not religious]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://cinema.com/articles/4812/reaping-the-idris-elba-qa.phtml |title=The Reaping: Idris Elba Q&A |website=cinema.com |year=2015 |access-date=28 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/157684-idris-elba-international-man |title=Idris Elba: International Man |first=Fred |last=Topel |website=CraveOnline |date=30 November 1999 |access-date=28 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114081440/http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/157684-idris-elba-international-man |archive-date=14 January 2015 }}</ref> He is a lifelong supporter of his local football team [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal FC]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal fan Idris Elba: I would be physically sick if Tottenham won the Premier League title|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fan-idris-elba-i-would-be-physically-sick-if-tottenham-won-premier-league-title-a3226766.html|work=Evening Standard|date=27 October 2017}}</ref> In January 2025, he revealed that he had stopped eating meat around six months prior.<ref>{{cite instagram |user=vegnews |title=Interview with Idris Elba |date=29 January 2025 |postid=DFZMV2VScRl |access-date=1 February 2025}}</ref>

In 2015, as part of his [[Discovery Channel]] miniseries ''Idris Elba: No Limits'', Elba broke the [[British land speed record|land speed record]] for the [[Pendine Sands]] "Flying Mile" course.<ref>{{cite web|title=Actor Idris Elba Breaks Historic 'Flying Mile' Record in Bentley|website= Bentley Media|date= 7 May 2015 |url=http://www.bentleymedia.com/release/638 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150509214539/http://www.bentleymedia.com/release/638|access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-date= 9 May 2015}}</ref> He hosted [[The Best FIFA Football Awards 2017|The Best FIFA Football Awards]] at the [[London Palladium]] on 23 October 2017, during which he took a selfie of "the best team in the world" which included [[Lionel Messi]], [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], and [[Neymar]].<ref>{{cite news|title=The Best selfie: Idris Elba revels as host of Fifa Awards show|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/10/24/best-selfie-idris-elba-revels-host-fifa-awards-show/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/10/24/best-selfie-idris-elba-revels-host-fifa-awards-show/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=27 October 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In a 2019 podcast, Elba said that he is trying to quit social media because it made him depressed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Idris Elba Says He's Trying to Quit Using Social Media: 'It Makes Me Feel Depressed' |url=https://people.com/movies/idris-elba-says-hes-trying-to-quit-using-social-media-it-makes-me-feel-depressed/ |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=People.com |language=en}}</ref>

Elba has discussed his experience with [[dyslexia]] making it difficult to read scripts, which led him to help develop a tool that allows for audio script reading.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=2025-06-04 |title=Idris Elba on His Dyslexia, His African Cinema Vision and Doing "a Little Bit of Everything" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/idris-elba-dyslexia-africa-cinemas-creativity-sxsw-london-1236234093/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Acting credits and accolades ==
{{Main|Idris Elba filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Idris Elba}}

Elba was named ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]''{{'}}s annual Sexiest Man of the Year in 2013<ref>{{cite news |first=Charli |last=Penn |url=http://photos.essence.com/galleries/essences-2013-sexiest-man-year-50-reasons-love-idris-elba/ |title=''ESSENCE''{{'}}s 2013 Sexiest Man of the Year: 50 Reasons to Love Idris Elba |magazine=[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]] |date=9 December 2013 |access-date=28 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114072621/http://photos.essence.com/galleries/essences-2013-sexiest-man-year-50-reasons-love-idris-elba/ |archive-date=14 January 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'''s [[Sexiest Man Alive]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jordan |first=Julie |url=https://people.com/movies/idris-elba-sexiest-man-alive-2018-reveal/ |title=Idris Elba Is PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive 2018: It's 'an Ego Boost for Sure' |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=5 November 2018 |access-date=27 May 2020}}</ref> In October 2014, he was presented with a [[MOBO Awards|MOBO Inspiration Award]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Mobo Awards 2014: Idris Elba receives inspiration award |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/musicvideo/11116450/Mobo-Awards-2014-Idris-Elba-receives-inspiration-award.html |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=23 September 2014 |access-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109153226/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/musicvideo/11116450/Mobo-Awards-2014-Idris-Elba-receives-inspiration-award.html |archive-date=9 January 2018 }}</ref> As of May 2019, his films have grossed over {{US$|9.8&nbsp;billion|long=no}} at the global box office, including over {{US$|3.6&nbsp;billion|long=no}} in North America,<ref>{{cite web |title=Idris Elba Movie Box Office Results |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=idriselba.htm |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref> where he is one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors.<ref>{{cite web |title=People Index {{ndash}} Actors: Total Gross |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/?view=Actor&sort=sumgross&p=.htm |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>

He was appointed an [[Officer of the Order of the British Empire]] (OBE) in the [[2016 New Year Honours]] 'for services to drama'.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=61450 |supp=y |page=N12 |date=30 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mendick |first1=Robert |last2=Swinford |first2=Steven |title=New Year's Honours: Idris Elba, Barbara Windsor, Damon Albarn and Ronnie O'Sullivan named in 2016 list |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/honours-list/12075218/New-Years-Honours-Idris-Elba-Barbara-Windsor-Damon-Albarn-and-Ronnie-OSullivan-named-in-2016-list.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230230304/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/honours-list/12075218/New-Years-Honours-Idris-Elba-Barbara-Windsor-Damon-Albarn-and-Ronnie-OSullivan-named-in-2016-list.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=31 December 2015 |access-date=31 December 2015}}</ref> In 2017, he won the male title for the "[[Rear of the Year]]" award in Britain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rearoftheyearcompetition.com/past-winners/ |title=Past Winners of Rear Of The Year Competition |publisher=Rear Of The Year Limited |access-date=26 March 2021 |archive-date=7 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407225536/http://www.rearoftheyearcompetition.com/past-winners/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2018, he was one of 50 people named for "making London awesome" and helping to shape London's cultural landscape, as part of ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]]'''s 50th anniversary.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kheraj |first=Alim |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/50-londoners-who-make-the-city-awesome |title=50 Londoners who make the city awesome |magazine=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |date=14 September 2018 |access-date=7 November 2018}}</ref> In the [[Powerlist 2020|2020]] and [[Powerlist 2021|2021]] editions of the ''[[Powerlist]]'', he was listed in the top 100 most influential people in the UK of African/Afro-Caribbean descent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mills |first1=Kelly-Ann |title=Raheem Sterling joins Meghan and Stormzy in top 100 most influential black Brits |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/black-powerlist-2020-raheem-sterling-20721033 |website=mirror |access-date=20 April 2020 |date=25 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lavender |first1=Jane |title=Lewis Hamilton ends incredible year top of influential Black Powerlist 2021 |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/black-power-list-2021-lewis-23017308 |access-date=19 January 2021 |work=mirror |date=17 November 2020 }}</ref>

In December 2022, Elba was awarded an honorary [[Doctor of Arts]] degree from [[Ravensbourne University London]] in recognition of his work championing diversity within the creative industries and beyond.<ref>[https://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk/people-and-stories/news/university/idris-elba-and-tinker-hatfield-receive-honorary-doctorates Idris Elba and Tinker Hatfield receive honorary doctorates from Ravensbourne] - website of [[Ravensbourne University London]]</ref><ref>[https://sierraloaded.sl/news/idris-elba-doctorate-degree-from-ravensbourne-university/ Idris Elba Bags Doctorate Degree From Ravensbourne University] - website of the digital media platform Sierraloaded</ref>

Elba was [[Knight Bachelor|knighted]] in the [[2026 New Year Honours]] for services to young people.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=64940 |date=29 December 2025 |page=N2 |supp=y }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Faulkner |first1=Doug |last2=Sandeman |first2=George |date=29 December 2025 |title=New Year Honours 2026: Idris Elba knighted as Sarina Wiegman and Lionesses recognised |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crrkgzy52keo |work=BBC}}</ref>

== Discography ==
'''Albums'''

* 2015: ''Murdah Loves John (The John Luther Character Album)''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Kate |title=Idris Elba: 'As an actor I'm always reading someone else's thoughts. What about my own thoughts?' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/dec/05/idris-elba-on-luther-and-murdah-loves-john |access-date=17 June 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=7 December 2015}}</ref>

'''Extended plays'''

* 2006: ''Big Man''
* 2009: ''Kings Among Kings''
* 2010: ''High Class Problems Vol. 1''
* 2014: ''Idris Elba Presents Mi Mandela''
* 2022: ''[[Cordi Elba]]'' (with [[Lime Cordiale]])<ref name="Cordi Elba announcement">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/lime-cordiale-announce-joint-mini-album-with-idris-elba-3051516 |title=Lime Cordiale announce joint mini-album with Idris Elba |website=[[NME Australia]]|date=22 September 2021 |access-date=14 October 2021|last=Triscari |first=Caleb}}</ref>
* 2023: ''The Phantom Files'' (from ''[[Cyberpunk 2077]]'')<ref>{{cite web |last=Donovan |first=Imogen |date=26 September 2023 |title=Check out Idris Elba's three-track EP from 'Cyberpunk 2077' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/check-out-idris-elbas-three-track-ep-from-cyberpunk-2077-3504385 |access-date=16 December 2023 |website=NME }}</ref>

'''Singles'''

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Album
|-
! scope="row"| "Pushing On"<br/><span style="font-size:85%;">(as IDRIS with Kathy Brown)</span><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/pushing-on-single/1747953318|title=Pushing On – Single by IDRIS & Kathy Brown|website=Apple Music|access-date=9 September 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan="2"| 2024
| rowspan="2" {{n/a|Non-album singles}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Shake Body"<br/><span style="font-size:85%;">(as IDRIS, with [[Shermanology]])</span><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/shake-body-single/1760301744|title=Shake Body – Single by IDRIS & Shermanology|website=Apple Music|access-date=9 September 2024}}</ref>
|-
|}

* 2023: "We Run the Area" (with [[Toddla T]], [[General Levy]] and Naomi Cowan)
* 2023: "Most Wanted" (with Djibril Cissé)
* 2024: "Knives Down" (with DB Maz)

'''Remixes'''

* "Trust in Me"
* "The Bare Necessities"

'''Mixtapes'''

* 2011: ''Merry DriisMas Holiday Mixtape''
* 2024: [[Essential Mix]]

'''Other appearances'''

* 2019: "Even If I Die (Hobbs & Shaw)" on the [[Hobbs & Shaw (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] to the ''Fast & Furious'' spin-off film ''[[Hobbs & Shaw]]'', featuring [[Cypress Hill]]; the remix version features [[Hybrid (British band)|Hybrid]].
* 2019: "London Boy" by [[Taylor Swift]] — The intro of the song samples a snippet from an interview by Elba.
* 2019: "Party & BullShit" by [[Sarkodie (rapper)|Sarkodie]] – He was featured in the song.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://celebritiesbuzzgh.com/download-sarkodie-party-and-bullshit-ft-donaeo-x-idris-elba/|title=Sarkodie – Party and Bullshit ft Donae'O & Idris Elba|website=CelebritiesBuzzGh.Com|access-date=25 October 2019}}</ref>
* 2020: "Fear or Faith Pt. 2" by [[Fraser T. Smith|Future Utopia]] from the album ''12 Questions''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/fraser-t-smith-announces-debut-album-ft-stormzy-dave-bastille-more-signs-to-platoon-70hz/080755|title=Fraser T Smith announces debut album ft Stormzy, Dave, Bastille & more, signs to Platoon/70hz|work=[[Music Week]]|access-date=13 August 2020|date=12 August 2020|first=George|last=Garner}}</ref>
* 2021: "Long Tailed Winter Bird (Idris Elba Remix)" by [[Paul McCartney]] from the album ''[[McCartney III Imagined]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/138852/Sir-Paul-McCartney-teams-up-with-Idris-Elba-Damon-Albarn-for-McCartney-III-Imagined|title=Sir Paul McCartney teams up with Idris Elba & Damon Albarn for McCartney III Imagined|work=Music-News|access-date=30 October 2021|date=11 March 2021}}</ref>
*2025: "More Mentors" by [[Connor Price]] from the album ''About Time''

'''Featured singles'''

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Certifications
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/54975/wiley-stefflon-don-sean-paul/|title=Wiley/Stefflon Don/Sean Paul – full Official Charts history|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=25 March 2019}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Macklemore+%26+Ryan+Lewis+feat.+Anderson+.Paak,+Idris+Elba&titel=Dance+Off&cat=s|title=Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Anderson.Paak, Idris Elba – Dance Off (song)|website=australian-charts.com|access-date=25 March 2019}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Dance Off]]"<br/><span style="font-size:85%;">([[Macklemore & Ryan Lewis]] featuring Idris Elba and [[Anderson .Paak]])</span>
| 2016
| — || 7
|
* [[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]: Platinum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/australian-singles-major-lazer-registers-a-no-1-hit-with-bieber-and-mo-20160731|title=Australian Singles: Major Lazer Registers a No 1 Hit with Bieber and MØ|publisher=Noise11|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|date=31 July 2016|access-date=1 August 2016}}</ref>
| ''[[This Unruly Mess I've Made]]''
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Boasty]]"<br/>{{small|([[Wiley (rapper)|Wiley]], [[Stefflon Don]] and [[Sean Paul]] featuring Idris Elba)}}
| rowspan="3"| 2019
| 11 || —
|
* [[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]]: Platinum<ref name="bpi">{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/brit-certified/|title=BRIT Certified – bpi|publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]]|access-date=26 April 2019|format=To access, enter the search parameter "Boasty" and select "Search by Keyword"}}</ref>

| rowspan="3" {{N/a|Non-album singles}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Come Alive"<br/>{{small|(Wrenne featuring Idris Elba)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/come-alive-feat-idris-elba-single/1453550265|title=Come Alive (feat. Idris Elba) – Single by Wrenne|date=15 March 2019|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>
| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "New Breed"<br/>{{small|([[James BKS]] featuring [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]], Idris Elba and [[Little Simz]])}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/new-breed-feat-q-tip-idris-elba-little-simz-single/1486177988|title=New Breed (feat. Q-Tip, Idris Elba & Little Simz) – Single by James BKS|date=14 November 2019|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=20 November 2019|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225234433/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/new-breed-feat-q-tip-idris-elba-little-simz-single/1486177988|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Apple Crumble (song)|Apple Crumble]]"<br/>{{small|(with [[Lime Cordiale]])}}
| rowspan="2"| 2021
| — || —
|
| rowspan="4"| ''Cordi Elba''
|-
! scope="row"| "What's Not to Like"<br/>{{small|(with Lime Cordiale)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/lime-cordiale-idris-elba-whats-not-to-like-song-collab-album/13649932|title=Lime Cordiale & Idris Elba dish out tasty second single "What's Not To Like"|website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=26 November 2021|access-date=26 November 2021|last=Newstead |first=Al}}</ref>
| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "Holy Moley"<br/>{{small|(with Lime Cordiale)}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/lime-cordiale-and-idris-elba-release-mini-album-cordi-elba/|title=Lime Cordiale and Idris Elba have also shared "Holy Moley", the exciting latest single from their new mini album.|work=Tone Deaf|date=14 January 2022|access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref>
| rowspan="3"| 2022
| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "Unnecessary Things"<br/>{{small|(with Lime Cordiale)}}<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/lime-cordiale-and-idris-elba-share-new-video-for-unnecessary-things-redux-3147238|title=Lime Cordiale and Idris Elba share new video for "Unnecessary Things" redux|website=[[NME Australia]]|date=27 January 2022|access-date=30 January 2022}}</ref>
| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "Vroom"<br/>{{small|(The FaNaTIX featuring Idris Elba, [[Lil Tjay]], [[Davido]], [[Original Koffee|Koffee]] & [[Moelogo]])}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/6ApEaAL5iuN3cOwSoAbY1d|title=Vroom – from GRAN TURISMO 7|website=Spotify|date=March 2022|access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref>
| — || —
|
| ''Find Your Line &ndash; Official Music from Gran Turismo 7''
|-
| colspan="6" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "more mentors"<br/>{{small|(with [[connor Price]])}}
|2025
| — || —
|
|About time 

|}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{sister project links|d=Q342604|c=Category:Idris Elba|n=no|b=no|s=no|wikt=no|species=no|m=no|mw=no|v=no|voy=no}}
* {{IMDb name|252961}}
* {{Twitter}} (Deleted or Terminated)
* {{Instagram}}

{{Navboxes
| title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Idris Elba|Awards for Idris Elba]]
| list =
{{BET Award for Best Actor}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Voice Performance}}
{{BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards}}
{{Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Actor in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie}}
{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Movie/Miniseries Actor}}
{{Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor}}
{{GoldenGlobeBestActorTVMiniseriesFilm}}
{{Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special}}
{{RTS Programme Award for Best Performance by a Male Actor}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAward MaleSupportMotionPicture}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAward MaleTVMiniseriesMovie}}
{{Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elba, Idris}}
[[Category:Idris Elba| ]]
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[[Category:Best Miniseries or Television Movie Actor Golden Globe winners]]
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[[Category:Male actors from London]]
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[[Category:National Youth Theatre members]]
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[[Category:People Sexiest Man Alive]]
[[Category:Audiobook narrators]]