Spotlight On: Idris Elba

In the new thriller 'No Good Deed,' escaped convict Idris Elba charms his way into a stranger’s house, much the same way he’s charmed his way onto the big and small screens. (Only in real life, he’s not, you know, dangerous and scary.) Here’s a look at some of his more noteworthy roles.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD (2013)

The acclaimed British actor stirred up some controversy when, as a black actor, he played the traditionally white Norse god Heimdall, Sentry of Asgard.

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (2013)

In this biopic, Elba portrays the famous South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and President of South Africa.

PACIFIC RIM (2013)

In this sci-fi action flick, Elba, playing Commander Stacker Pentecost, gets to change out of his uniform and strap into a Jaeger suit. 

PROMETHEUS (2013)

Elba plays the tough-guy pilot of the ship Prometheus in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi thriller.

LUTHER (2010-2013)

Portraying Detective Chief Inspector John Luther on this BBC series, Elba achieved critical acclaim and won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in 2012.

LEGACY (2010)

In this psychological thriller, Elba is a soldier suffering from anxiety, paranoia and deep psychological wounds.

THE WIRE (2002-2008)

This much-lauded HBO drama put Elba on the map, when he starred as second-in-command drug kingpin Russell "Stringer" Bell.

TAKERS (2010)

In this drama, Elba joined a crew of bank robbers ready to pull off one last heist… with a $25 million dollar payoff.

THE LOSERS (2010)

As a member of an elite United States Special Forces team, Elba played Roque, a role that originated in the DC/Vertigo comic.  

OBSESSED (2009)

Elba is married to the gorgeous Beyonce, but is also being pursued by the stunning Ali Larter. This may sound like every man’s dream, but it quickly turns into a nightmare.

THE UNBORN (2009)

This supernatural horror flick features Elba as a demonically possessed clergyman.

ROCKNROLLA (2008)

Director Guy Ritchie helmed this British action crime thriller that features Elba as a crook, along with fellow baddies Tom Hardy and Gerard Butler.

THIS CHRISTMAS (2007)

The Whitfield family gathers together for the first time in years at Christmas. Here, secrets are revealed, problems exposed and hurts healed.

28 WEEKS LATER (2007)

In this sci-fi horror film, Elba plays a general trying to protect the population from the Rage Virus… and the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS (2007)

Tyler Perry’s romantic comedy-drama features Elba as Monty, a mechanic embroiled in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife. But it’s not all bad; Gabrielle Union is his new love interest.