Idris Elba Eyes Full-Time Directing, Steps Back From Acting
Idris Elba has hinted at a major career shift, sharing his thoughts on moving behind the camera and what it means for his future in film.
Idris Elba has flagged a big change in his career, revealing he’s looking to swap acting for directing on a permanent basis. The British star, known for his roles in everything from gritty dramas to action flicks, spoke about his plans during a Q&A at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. He was in town to promote his latest short film, Dust to Dreams, which marks another step in his journey as a filmmaker after his 2018 directorial debut with Yardie.
Elba, who’s built a loyal following thanks to standout performances in series like The Wire and Luther, didn’t shy away from sharing his hopes and nerves about the shift.
“I’m hoping that my fan base as an actor isn’t mad at me,”
he told the crowd, before adding,
“Eventually I want to transfer to be a director fully.”
He explained that while he still enjoys being in front of the camera, directing gives him a chance to use a different set of skills and be involved in the creative process in a new way.
“I’ve been acting for a long time. I love it still, but I think directing allows me to flex slightly different muscles and just be a part of the set in a different way. I really enjoy it.”
New Projects and Ongoing Commitments
Elba’s latest directorial effort, Dust to Dreams, features singer Seal and had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September before being released digitally in November. Despite his clear interest in moving behind the scenes, fans of his acting won’t have to say goodbye just yet. Netflix recently confirmed that Elba will return for a second Luther film, so he’s not hanging up his acting boots immediately.
His comments at the festival suggest he’s keen to gradually make the switch, rather than dropping acting cold turkey. The transition seems to be about finding new challenges and keeping things fresh, rather than any dissatisfaction with his current career.
Stepping Into New Arenas
While in Saudi Arabia, Elba also touched on his involvement in social issues, particularly his campaign against knife crime. He admitted that stepping into the political sphere has been a bit of a stretch, saying,
“I’ve found myself feeling like an imposter in the political arena. I’ve found myself in arenas with heads of states and ministers talking about things that are way above my pay grade.”
Despite his activism, he was quick to rule out a future in politics, stating,
“I don’t want to be a politician, but I think there’s something quite appealing about educating myself to step into those arenas with more experience of how to make change.”
For now, Elba seems set on exploring new creative ground, both in film and beyond, while still keeping one foot in the world that made him a household name.