Idris Elba Reveals Why He Won't Be Playing LUKE CAGE In The Netflix Series

Idris Elba Reveals Why He Won't Be Playing LUKE CAGE In The Netflix Series

Idris Elba already plays Heimdall in the THOR movies, but he's made no secret about wanting to take on a leading role elsewhere in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Well, despite a lot of speculation, it clearly won't be as Luke Cage because the actor reveals that someone else has already been chosen...

News
By JoshWilding - Sep 20, 2014 07:09 AM EST
Filed Under: Luke Cage
Source: reddit

Late last year, Luther and Pacific Rim star Idris Elba revealed that he had at one point talked to Marvel about playing Luke Cage on the big screen. It wasn't clear whether this was before or after he was cast in THOR, but many fans believed that there was a possibility he'd be chosen to play the character in the upcoming Netflix series. That clearly isn't the case however as he revealed the following in a recent AMA on reddit to promote his new movie No Good Deed. "Uh, I think there's an actor already signed on for it, fortunately or unfortunately." So, it appears as if Marvel and Netflix are being very careful when it comes to revealing their casting choices in these shows, especially as word has it that Jessica Jones has also been found. It's a shame that Elba won't land the role, but it's understandable that Marvel wouldn't want to cast the same actor as two different characters. Hopefully Heimdall gets a bigger part to play in the third THOR, but for now, be sure to let us know who you would like to see play Luke Cage in the comments section below!
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JoshWilding
Member Since 3/13/2009
A lifelong comic book fan who grew up on Spider-Man: The Animated Series in the '90s, Josh Wilding has been contributing to ComicBookMovie.com since 2009.

While he's also written for websites like Batman-News, HeyUGuys, and WhatCulture, Josh is CBM's Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and the site's #1 contributor with nearly two decades of experience covering film and TV news (including interviews with Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Gary Oldman, Halle Berry, Jon Bernthal, Tom Welling, and hundreds more).

Based in the UK with his wife, Josh is also an avid WWE and Formula 1 fan and writes about those passions on CBM's sister sites, TheRingReport.com and FullThrottleHQ.com. Favourite superhero? Spider-Man. Favourite pro wrestler? CM Punk. Favourite F1 driver? Max Verstappen.
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SuperCat
SuperCat - 9/20/2014, 7:48 AM
I'm a fan but I think they need someone younger anyway.
TheRationalNerd
TheRationalNerd - 9/20/2014, 7:52 AM
It really doesn't even take a popular African-American actor to land the role of Luke Cage. You can get an unknown actor, especially if it's going to be a Netflix series...smh come on man. Idris Elba isn't the only great black actor in Hollywood. I personally wanted Michael Jai White for Bishop in Days of Future Past but I know he would make a great Luke Cage.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 9/20/2014, 7:54 AM








Kurne
Kurne - 9/20/2014, 7:56 AM
The one out of the 4 they could easily [frick] up...

DD's cast is terrific though. I don't expect them to get that level of talent for each bloody show (would be amazing if they did), but in terms of class and legit actors, they should be fine.
GL
GL - 9/20/2014, 7:56 AM
The Old Spice guy lmao
NubaX
NubaX - 9/20/2014, 7:57 AM
@TheRationalNerd

^^^ I Agree!

I'd Michael Jai White or Terry Cruz or an Unknown that looks the part.

Just no Non Threatening Black Guys. SOmetimes the powers at be get these non threatening looking/talking black actors that they feel comfortable, Safe, Secure with instead of that Raw Strong, Dynamic Character Personality.
Hulksta
Hulksta - 9/20/2014, 7:57 AM
Jessica Jones has been cast?
thewonderer
thewonderer - 9/20/2014, 7:59 AM
Man Heimdall is the most pathetic character for Idris Elba to be. Because of that shitty casting, Elba can't be Green Lantern or other infinitely better heroes. [frick] you marvel and Kenneth Branagh
CherryBomb
CherryBomb - 9/20/2014, 8:00 AM
Grr it annoys me how they waste amazing actors like Djimon Hounsou and Idris Elba on small supporting characters.
Those two deserve starring or more prominent roles!

Archgoat
Archgoat - 9/20/2014, 8:00 AM
Heimdall was a minor role, I really hope Idris will play some other character in addition to it in MCU. He is very talented.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 9/20/2014, 8:01 AM
LOL @ MexicanChinman. Yeah, don't think he'd good for the part either.
Nomadic1
Nomadic1 - 9/20/2014, 8:02 AM
Common just got killed off Hell on Wheels, hopefully it's because he has a new job. If the dude bulks up a bit, I think he would kill it as LC.
UltimateCookie
UltimateCookie - 9/20/2014, 8:03 AM
Marvel should stop sticking great actors in supporting roles. Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Natalie Portman (maybe not her) but my point is these actors could be a greater part of the MCU instead of these small side characters.
Sulti1274
Sulti1274 - 9/20/2014, 8:04 AM
i said it once and i will say it again
Idris Elba should have been the Black Panther
ALegendaryPanda
ALegendaryPanda - 9/20/2014, 8:04 AM
@Bekss

I can see all of your comments
CamtonoOfBeskar
CamtonoOfBeskar - 9/20/2014, 8:05 AM
Come on over to our team Idris, you'll get a Green Lantern power ring and get to do a whole heck of a lot more than just standing and holding a broadsword all day.
UltimateCookie
UltimateCookie - 9/20/2014, 8:05 AM
@TheRationalNerd
I'd much rather have an unknown be Luke Cage or maybe even an unexpected actor on the downswing that needs a starring role (Will Smith) like they did with RDJ. It's not difficult to cast the part but it will be if they're looking for this big name to attach to it.
Bekss
Bekss - 9/20/2014, 8:08 AM
@ALegendaryPanda

Thanks, for some reason my comments showed up once I clicked the link in the message.
I was already thinking in comment stupid and sick things :)
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 9/20/2014, 8:09 AM
"Oh good lord. Why would anyone want Terry Crews to play Luke Cage? He's a horrible actor."

There's a lot of people here who have to cast him for any and every black superhero role that comes up simply because he is built. I definitely agree with you! Cheesy and over-the top actor.
UltimateCookie
UltimateCookie - 9/20/2014, 8:10 AM
Terry Crews would be a terrible Luke Cage, people only suggest him because he's big.

I have to concur with @Primordiac the nerd in me would much rather have him as Green Lantern (I can't see him as BP tbh).

@Maxi91291 Not saying Odin is an unimportant role or that Hopkins isn't amazing as Odin I'm just saying the way the Thor movies have been going I don't see the need for such an amazing actor if your going to give him such a minimal role (same thing with Idris Elba).
Spideysense44
Spideysense44 - 9/20/2014, 8:11 AM
Please tell me its not Terry Crews
UltimateCookie
UltimateCookie - 9/20/2014, 8:15 AM
@TamponTunnel (wow what a name)
I'm not a huge Luke Cage fanboy so I don't know if it's contradicting to his character to make him white. I only care if the race contradicts the character. Black Panther for example couldn't be white unless they made a new BP but Johnny Storm for example can be any color under the sun since being a certain race wasn't important to his character.

Get what I'm sayin?
GreenLantern519
GreenLantern519 - 9/20/2014, 8:17 AM
He needs to play Green Lantern, he'd have so much more potential for spin off movies, and he'd be a main character in a movie that's guaranteed to make money at the box office, thus elevating his public awareness.
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