Idris Elba opens up about big switch in Hollywood career

Idris Elba says he ultimately hopes to leave acting behind so he can commit fully to directing. 

The 53-year-old actor opened up about the upcoming big changes on Wednesday during a recent appearance and Q&A at the Red Sea International Film Festival, where he premiered his new short film Dust To Dreams—his first directing project since his 2018 feature Yardie.

“I’m hoping that my fan base as an actor isn’t mad at me,” he said, per the Daily Mail. “Eventually, I want to transfer to be a director fully.” 

Elba, who has 130 acting credits, noted he still loves acting but feels directing allows him to “flex slightly different muscles” and contribute to a set in a new way.

He also discussed his next directorial feature, This Is How It Goes, an Apple film based on Neil LaBute’s 2005 play. 

“The original is about a Black man married to a white woman, and a white man comes to move into their house,” Elba explained, adding that he flipped the dynamic for his adaptation. 

“It’s a white man married to a Black woman, and a Black man comes to live in their house.” He called the story “an incredible examination of marriage, trust, and race.” 

Production recently wrapped in Ghana.

Elba has also shut down rumours that he’s being cast as the next James Bond. However, he's confirmed his eventual return as John Luther in a new film beginning production in February. This will mark his first time back in the role since 2023’s Luther: The Fallen Sun.