Idris Elba Wants to 'Do a Musical' and Promises He'll Captivate the West End

Idris Elba in The Wire: The Musical?? Sadly although that project isn't actually in the works, apparently we’re not too far off! After recently receiving a Golden Globe nomination for taking on one of the most pivotal roles of his career as Nelson Mandela in Mandela: The Road to Freedom, the London based film and TV star told London's Evening Standard that he hopes the next stop on his journey is the West End. (So do we!)

He told the Standard, “In future, I want to do a musical. I want to do things that challenge me. I’ve got a keen eye on music and would like to do something that marries my world of acting and music. I am not sure if I can sing very well but I will be good — I promise! I will be captivating.”

We've seen him on screen playing everything from a hardcore drug lord on The Wire to playing a soft-hearted, but determined Mandela and a police detective on Luther. But he also has stage and music experience, training at the National Youth Music Theatre before going on to success with various R&B projects, including work with Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes.

Elba said, “I have [done the stage] in the past sporadically throughout my career. In the future, I’d like to do it. The problem with theater is that I have a short attention span so I can’t do it for six months or whatever.”

That's perfect! He can do a limited engagement and be off to his next project in less than six months.  We just have our fingers crossed he also makes his way across the pond to the Great White Way! Now, before you start dreaming about what musicals you’d like to see Elba in, check out one of his official music videos below to see his singing chops on display!