A New Spin on an Old Nemesis
Idris Elba has been one of the busiest actors in show business. It is a testament to his talent and versatility that he's been able to transcend genres in the United States and his native London. Fresh from his role in the newly released Pacific Rim he has multiple projects lined up, including reprising his titular role in the British television crime drama Luther as well as playing Heimdall again in the Thor sequel, Elba is no stranger to the sci-fi and comic book movie genre. The transition to the leading villain in the Man of Steel sequel, should they go with Lex Luthor, would not be a difficult one.
As the calculating and cutthroat druglord "Stringer" Bell in the much-celebrated HBO miniseries, The Wire, Elba demonstrated a cool yet ferocious demeanor that captivated audiences and helped make it one of the most revered television events ever. He could do the same as Lex Luthor.
Yes, I know we're entering fanboy rage territory by changing the race of the character. If there is one thing fanboys love is continuity and god-forbid studios change something. There was obnoxious, probably racially charged as well, comments on internet forums when Elba was cast as the Norse god Heimdall in the first Thor. Laurence Fishburne also got his share of online chatter when he was cast as Perry White in Man of Steel. The goal should be when casting a role to hire the most capable actor who can embody the character regardless of race. I think Elba has proven to be more than adept at elevating the material of any project he is in and making it his own. This would be no different.
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