Idris Elba confessed that he still hasn’t watched his iconic American breakthrough performance inThe Wire, even though 20 years have passed. The British actor and DJ became known to American audiences for playing Russell “Stringer” Bell, the cerebral second-in-command of Avon Barksdale’s (Wood Harris) drug empire in early 2000s Baltimore.
Appearing as a guest onGood Hang With Amy Poehler, Idris Elba told host and The Wire superfan Amy Poehler that he feels bad he didn’t watch David Simon’s critically acclaimed HBO series.Elba explained that"a part of me died"when Stringer Bell diedinThe Wireseason 3, and that it would feel"weird"for him to go back and watch it. Read Idris' quotes and watch the video below:
If I’m really honest, like, I didn’t watchThe Wire.And I feel bad. It’s not that I’m not a fan of it. I was there. I made a show that was, you know, was so intense and so real, so important. And even though we didn’t realize — I didn’t realize the importance of the show while making it. I didn’t participate in its celebration as a viewer, as a fan.
When Stringer Bell died, there was a part of me that died with that character. And it’s weird for me to go back and watch it. I don’t like being overly conscious of what my performance is like or whatever, because it makes me conscious about doing it. I like being in it rather than watching it.
Why Idris Elba Hasn’t Watched The Wire In The Last 20 Years
Idris Is Like Many Actors Not Watching Their Past Performances
The Wireis one of the greatest television series evermade, and Idris Elba was a massive part of its early success, so it’s surprising that he hasn’t gone back to watch his performance. However, as Amy Poehler noted during her podcast, it’s not uncommon for actors to avoid revisiting their performances.Playing Stringer Bell was intense and significant for Elba, and he still feels close to the character after two decades.
Idris Elba saying that a part of him died when Stringer Bell waskilled off inThe Wireis telling. Elba recalls how"intense"and"important"The Wirewas while making it, and the death of Stringer still stings after all of this time.Elba also feels he would be overly conscious of his performance, which he can’t do anything about, two decades removed fromThe Wire. However, Idris is aware of how crucial Stringer was to his career andThe Wire’s fans.
Our Take On Idris Elba Not Watching The Wire
Idris Has Taken On Many Other Iconic Roles
Idris Elba’s personal reasons for not watchingThe Wireare perfectly understandable. However, if Elba were to go back and separate himself from his performance, he may find how impactful and powerfulIdris' role as Stringer Bellwas. Stringer was a fascinating, multidimensional character who nobly attempted to reform the drug trade.Bell was the forerunner of many of Elba’s best rolesafter he ended his run onThe Wire.
Stringer Bell was a breakthrough role for Idris Elba for a reason.
From DCI John Luther inLuther,to Bloodsport inThe Suicide Squad, toHeimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Charles Miner inThe Office, Idris Elba always embodies intelligence, courage, great depth, a touch of wit, and unbridled charisma in each performance. Stringer Bell was a breakthrough role for Idris Elba for a reason, which would undoubtedly become clear to him if he ever does choose to revisitThe Wire.
