Idris Elba, 53, reveals his plans to retire from acting and admits he feels like an ‘imposter around politicians’ during Q and A at the Red Sea International Film Festival

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His movies have earned more than $9.8 billion worldwide, establishing him as one of the twenty most commercially successful actors of all time.

But despite his success, Idris Elba has revealed he does plan to retire from acting. 

The 53-year-old actor attended the Red Sea International Film Festival on Wednesday for a question-and-answer session.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I just read the most amazing interview with Idris! He talked about everything he’s planning next, and get this – he actually thinks about going back to school! Can you believe it? He said he sometimes feels like a total fraud around politicians, like he doesn’t belong. It’s so relatable, honestly, and just makes me love him even more! He’s so humble and real.

Idris attended a film festival in Saudi Arabia to showcase his latest short film, ‘Dust To Dreams’. This is his second time directing a film, following his previous work, ‘Yardie’.

The movie centers around a quiet woman who unexpectedly comes into ownership of her mother’s nightclub in Lagos, a business that’s facing difficulties. This leads to a surprising reconnection with her father, who is portrayed by the singer Seal.

Idris Elba shared that he eventually wants to focus on directing and hopes his fans will understand his decision to step away from acting. He’s hoping they won’t be upset about it.

I’ve been an actor for many years and still enjoy it. However, directing offers a new creative outlet and lets me contribute to a project in a different capacity, which I find really rewarding.

Idris is confident working as an actor, both directing and performing, but he’s less comfortable around politicians. He’s even considering going back to school to learn more about politics.

He admitted to feeling like a fraud in the world of politics, explaining that he often found himself among world leaders and government officials discussing issues he wasn’t qualified to address.

I’m not interested in a career in politics, but I do see value in learning more about how to create change, and becoming better equipped to engage in those spaces if I ever wanted to.

Being an actor brings amazing experiences, like performing on stage or meeting important people. I often rely more on my gut feelings than on what I’ve learned.

I’m considering focusing my studies on understanding people – human behavior – rather than politics. I believe that at the core, people react to each other the same way, whether it’s in a political arena or a sporting event. It all comes down to understanding what makes people tick.

I’m hoping to learn more about this topic to improve my effectiveness in my philanthropic and activist work.

I’ve often talked about the huge potential for media in Africa – everything from news and fashion to music and entertainment.

‘There’s a huge opportunity in to be more developed. I’m really interested in that. 

Instead of just talking about the physical infrastructure, I’ve been focusing on the policies that enable it.

But Idris doesn’t seem ready to retire just yet. 

A second Luther movie is in development, following up on 2023’s Luther: The Fallen Sun, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie’s title is still under wraps, but production will begin in February, and it will be released on Netflix.

Despite not being in ‘The Fallen Sun,’ actress Ruth Alice Morgan, 43, will return to her role in the next film.

And Dermot Crowley will be back as Martin Schenk. 

Neil Cross has written the film and Jamie Payne will direct it. 

Jamie, known for his work on shows like Child of Mine, U Be Dead, and Doctor Who: The Time of The Doctor, shared his thoughts on the new series, saying that Neil has once again crafted a compelling and dark story that will reunite fans.

It’s wonderful to be filming in Lutherland again with the incredibly talented Idris Elba and Dermot Crowley.

Oh my gosh, I’m absolutely buzzing to see Alice Morgan back! Ruth Wilson is just phenomenal – she brings this incredible, unpredictable energy to the role. Honestly, Alice is brilliant and a little terrifying, and I’m completely obsessed with her. I’ve been waiting ages for this!

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2025-12-11 00:21