Idris Elba has shut down rumours that he is entering politics, saying he doesn’t have the “courage” for the profession.
In February, Elba made the documentary Our Knife Crime Crisis, and has been vocal on ways to combat the problem. His advocacy led to a report in March that said the Labour Party was interested in him as a candidate for the Mayor Of London.
Metro has now reported that Elba spoke about the rumours while promoting his new film, A House Of Dynamite, in which he plays the US President.
“I think you have to give it to people that enter politics,” he said at a Venice press event for the movie. “The life cycle and going on an educative curve to become a politician means that you have to adopt that courage really early because then you’re faced with these impossible predicaments.”
He added: “It’s about your judgement then; it’s about what you know, what you’ve learned, what you’ve lived through, and your courage. So I learned I don’t have the courage to be in politics, that’s for sure!”
Elba’s path from acting to politics would not be unprecedented, as film stars have taken office in the past. In the US, Arnold Schwarzenegger served two terms as Governor of California, while the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was a Hollywood actor for 30 years before coming to the White House. In the UK, two-time Oscar-winner Glenda Jackson was an MP from 1992-2015.
It appears, however, that the Luther star’s future remains in acting. A House Of Dynamite is in UK cinemas from October 10, while he is due to return for Disney animated sequel Zootropolis 2 on November 28.
Last year, Idris Elba spoke about his desire to star in a live action version of the game Cyberpunk 2077, remarking: “Let’s speak that into existence”.