Idris Elba Eyes Directing as His Next Big Move
Idris Elba hints at a major career shift, sharing his future ambitions at the premiere of his latest short film. Discover what’s next for the celebrated British star.
Idris Elba’s admirers may soon find themselves savouring his on-screen appearances more than ever, as the acclaimed performer has disclosed his intention to step away from acting in favour of a new creative pursuit. During a recent event celebrating his short film, Dust To Dreams, which he directed, Elba spoke candidly about his evolving ambitions and the path he hopes to follow in the coming years.
Shifting Focus Behind the Camera
Elba, whose career has spanned decades and genres, shared his thoughts on the transition.
“I’m hoping that my fan base as an actor isn’t mad at me, but eventually I want to transfer to being a director fully. I’ve been acting for a long time,”
he remarked, reflecting on his journey so far.
“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.”
His comments suggest a genuine enthusiasm for the craft of directing, hinting at a future where he is more often found orchestrating scenes than starring in them.
Building a Directorial Portfolio
Dust To Dreams is not Elba’s first foray into directing. In 2018, he made his directorial debut with Yardie, a film featuring Ami Ameen, Sheldon Shepherd, and a notable appearance by Stephen Graham. This initial experience behind the lens appears to have sparked a lasting interest, as Elba continues to explore storytelling from a new vantage point.
While his directorial work is gaining momentum, Elba’s acting career remains as busy as ever. He has taken on memorable roles, including Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a part in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad. More recently, he led the cast of the Apple TV thriller series Hijack, which is set to return for a second series in January.
Looking Ahead to New Challenges
The coming years promise further excitement for Elba’s supporters. In 2026, he is set to appear alongside Nicholas Galitzine in the much-anticipated Masters of the Universe adaptation, portraying Man-At-Arms. Despite these high-profile projects, Elba’s remarks make it clear that his long-term aspirations lie in directing, where he feels he can contribute to the creative process in fresh and rewarding ways.
Though the prospect of seeing less of Elba on screen may disappoint some, his move towards directing could see him join the ranks of those rare talents who have excelled both in front of and behind the camera.