Idris Elba Is Worried About Writers

Idris Elba likes playing “completely socially unacceptable” villains.

“These people get to say things that we only think in the deepest, darkest recesses of our brains,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “They say horrible things and scream horrible things and get to be completely socially unacceptable. As an actor, that’s sometimes a gift, sometimes a bit of therapy.”

He says it’s easy to bring villainous characters to life because they “tend to be well-written,” and it’s for that reason that he thinks the writers are the ones who need therapy.

“When you see a really interesting bad guy, you’re not going to think about the actor, but think about the writer. It’s the writer who’s dark. You’ve got to give him or her a hug,” he warned. Well, jokes on you, Idris, because I hate hugs, and receiving one from a concerned stranger would only make my dark little heart darker. You’re welcome. Thank you?

As for how he chooses which bad guy to play, he says, “I guess I’m one of those actors who believe acting is acting,” whatever that means, and, “I don’t really have a formula for what to choose. If I resonate with the character, I don’t have a hierarchy. Is the writing good? Is it something I’ve done before? Can I disappear in the role?” Sounds to me like the gentleman doth protest too much about writing being up to his standards for someone who claims to be worried about the mental health of the very same people! Sleep with one eye open, Luther!