Idris Elba gets candid on 'Today' about his career, says filming 'Luther' wasn't fun due to hectic schedule

'Luther' star Idris Elba appeared on 'Sunday Today' to discuss some of his iconic movies and TV shows with Willie Geist
PUBLISHED SEP 4, 2023
Idris Elba opened up about his career on the 'Today' interview (Getty Images)
Idris Elba opened up about his career on the 'Today' interview (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: 'Luther' star Idris Elba was recently welcomed by Willie Geist on the ‘Today’ show as a part of the host's beloved segment 'Sunday Today' where he welcomes new stars every weekend and dives deep into their lives. 

During the conversation, Elba opened up about his experience of filming ‘Luther,' admitting that it was "not fun." The actor also boasted about his career, saying that he had reached a point where he didn't need to audition anymore. 



 

Idris Elba shares his experience of filming 'Luther'

No doubt, 'Luther' was a turning point in Idris Elba’s life, but when Willie Geist expressed, "It looks like a lot of fun as a viewer to play this character," the actor interrupted the host to say, "No." 

"No?" asked a shocked Geist and continued, "It’s just brutal because you get beat up so much?"

Elba explained, "Getting up at 4 am, the rain, cold. I was just like, can we do a Luther where he’s in Hawaii," about why he wasn't keen on 'Luther's filming. 

Willie Geist and Idris Elba joke about a potential 'Luther' sequel (TODAY/YouTube)
Willie Geist and Idris Elba joked about a potential 'Luther' sequel (TODAY/YouTube)

The 'Today' host then joked that he smelled a sequel, and Elba quipped, "Luther in Jamaica."

"I say it isn’t fun, I played him for ten years, and he is one of my dearest characters," clarified the 'Hijack' actor. 

Idris Elba says he doesn't need to audition anymore

During his conversation with 'Today' host Willie Geist, some of Idris Elba’s most iconic movies and shows were mentioned, ranging from 'The Office' to playing Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Idris Elba attends the photocall for
During the 'Today' interview, Idris Elba talked about everything from his role in 'The Office' to playing Heimdall in the MCU (Getty Images)

Geist applauded Elba, saying, "It’s got to be sort of a head trip to say I can sort of have my choice now of things that I want to do." 



 

The 'Beast' actor expressed, "Someone asked me the other day – do you still audition?" A genuine smile on Elba’s face formed as he continued, "I was like…no. It was like an arrogant moment, and I was like no, I don’t audition." 

He also admitted in this interview that Robert De Niro has been his biggest inspiration, but he hasn't had a chance to convey that to him yet.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Season 2 of the 'Dexter' spinoff will also feature Brian Cox as 'The New York Ripper' and Dan Stevens as the 'Five Borough Killer.'
8 hours ago
Season 2 of 'Beef' introduces class conflict as a prominent theme, set against the backdrop of an elite Southern California country club.
9 hours ago
Samira Mohan was a senior resident during Season 2 of 'The Pitt,' but she plans to move into geriatrics once her residency at the hospital is over.
12 hours ago
The psychological drama ‘Husband, Father, Killer,’ highlights the troubling crimes of Steven Pladl which culminated in a triple murder and suicide.
13 hours ago
A post-credits moment in ‘The Pitt’ finale swaps tension for chaos as two doctors blow off steam, ending the heavy season on a surprising note.
17 hours ago
A shocking ER C-section in ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 finale pushes doctors to the edge, bringing realism with risk.
20 hours ago
The spin-off show’s fifth season aired a year ago, on April 17, 2025, and ever since there have been no renewal updates.
20 hours ago
A tense finale at ‘The Pitt’ brings shocking reveals, emotional goodbyes, and uncertain futures, leaving fans guessing what lies ahead in Season 3.
22 hours ago
Dr. Mohan’s sudden exit from ‘The Pitt’ sparks backlash as Noah Wyle explains the reason, but fans aren’t convinced and demand answers.
23 hours ago
The network bets big on fresh blood, holding back top performing hits to make room for new content
1 day ago