From NME:

Idris Elba is being lined up to star as Nelson Mandela in an “official” biopic of the former South African leader.

The actor, who made his name playing drug boss Stringer Bell in The Wire, has reportedly taken on the role, with movie blog Flickering Myth quoting “reliable sources” that a deal is close to being finalized.

As well as The Wire, Elba currently stars as BBC crime thriller Luther, and his movie credits include 28 Weeks Later, American Gangster and Obsessed. He recently expressed an interest in taking over the role of James Bond from Daniel Craig.

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