I prefer playing complex characters, says Sir Idris Elba

Sir Idris Elba has revealed that he prefers playing “complex” characters.

Sir Idris Elba loves playing “vulnerable” characters.

The 53-year-old actor is currently preparing to star alongside Chris Hemsworth in Extraction 3, the upcoming action thriller film, but Idris explained that he now prefers to play “more complex” characters, as age and injury has taken a toll on his body.

The London-born star – who has a background in kickboxing and mixed martial arts – told Interview magazine: “I’ve done a lot of action.

“I actually do like fighting. There’s a lot of choreography. It’s like dancing, right? You pick up the move and do it. And obviously for my kickboxing background, I love contact sports. But it’s harder now.

“I blew my knee out so it doesn’t move the same confidently, but I still love it. I really admire it.”

Idris explained that he’s excited to work with Sam Hargrave, the director of Extraction 3, because he’s a former stuntman.

More broadly, however, Idris now wants to take on more complex characters.

Idris said: “The director of Extraction is a guy called Sam Hargrave and he did Extraction I and II. He’s a former stuntman and his work is impeccable. I’m excited to go and learn from this guy.

“I prefer now to play roles that are a lot more complex, vulnerable. I play a lot of tough guys.”

Meanwhile, Idris previously explained that he wants to create a lasting legacy.

The actor has enjoyed huge success in Hollywood, starring in movies such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and American Gangster – but Idris admitted to being concerned about his long-term legacy.

He told GQ magazine: “There’s a changing of the guards in the world.

“Generationally, my age – we’re on the way out. And that new generation that’s being born today, what is it that’s there for them? What do you want to leave for that? That’s what I’m living for. Because when we’re in that room, and someone’s dressing our body, all that’s left of you is the legacy of what you’ve done. That’s important to me.”

Despite this, Idris doesn’t see himself as a role model.

The actor shared: “I struggle with it, a little bit. The responsibility, accepting it, like, Yes! I’m an upstanding hero! I’m a role model! I’m not. I’m imperfect, massively.”