Idris Elba to Portray Mandela in Upcoming Biopic

Actor Idris Elba arrives for a State Dinner in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron at the White House on March 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. Cameron is on a three day official visit to Washington. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)

“Not in terms of performance,” he clarifies. “But my film’s about his entire life. Anyone wanting to understand who Mandela was should go and watch my film.”  Although the British-born actor is aware that his movie won’t be the first to portray Mandela’s story on the big screen, he does believe that it will capture a more complete portrayal of the South African leader’s experiences.
“Morgan Freeman is outstanding. Terrence Howard is an outstanding actor. But my film is about his life,” Elba said, referring to Freeman’s 1999 movie Invictus and Howard’s depiction of Mandela in Winnie – a 2012 film which never made it to theaters.
The actor doesn’t only expect audience members to be pleased with the film, he also confirms that he has heard that Mandela himself has watched parts of the movie and provided positive feedback.
“I wasn’t with him, but I got told that he was really happy. He even asked: ‘Is that me?’” Elba told The Guardian.  Rumors spark discussion that Elba may even win an Oscar for his delivery.  Addressing the chatter, he responds: “I’ve not heard that but it’s a great film. It’s a real picture postcard of his life, and I’m proud of it.”
article by Lilly Workneh via thegrio.com