Idris Elba Reveals Why He Plans to Step Away From Acting

Idris Elba is opening up about a major shift in his career. During a Q&A at the Red Sea International Film Festival, the 53-year-old actor shared that he intends to retire from acting “eventually” so he can focus on directing full time. According to the Daily Mail, Elba said he hopes fans will understand the choice, noting that directing offers a different creative fulfillment from being in front of the camera. The update comes as he promotes his latest directorial project, the short film “Dust To Dreams.”

Elba, whose films have earned more than $9.8 billion globally, explained that directing allows him to engage with storytelling in a new way. He added that while he still loves acting, his long-term goal is to “transfer to be a director fully.” His comments arrive seven years after his directorial debut with “Yardie.”

Elba Says He Wants to Expand His Education and Activism Work

Elba also revealed he is considering returning to school. Per the Daily Mail, he said he sometimes feels unprepared in conversations with political figures, world leaders, or policymakers, describing moments where he felt like an “imposter.” He shared that studying human sciences could help him deepen his understanding and better support the philanthropy and activism work he has taken on in recent years.

Elba made it clear he is not seeking a political career, but he wants to be more informed when stepping into spaces where social impact and global issues are discussed. He explained that, as an actor, he is often invited to major forums or meetings, and he wants to participate with more knowledge rather than relying solely on instinct. He also noted that he has been focusing closely on policy related to media development in Africa, sharing that he sees significant potential for growth across news, fashion, and entertainment sectors.

Despite His Long-Term Plans, Elba Still Has Major Projects Ahead

Even as Idris Elba prepares for a future focused on directing, his acting career is far from slowing down. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has officially green-lit another “Luther” film, reuniting Elba with Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan and Dermot Crowley as Martin Schenk for the first time since 2013. Production begins in February.

Elba is also returning to Apple TV for season two of “Hijack.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new season premieres Jan. 14, 2026, with returning cast members and several new additions joining the tense, week-by-week rollout.

Outside of acting, Elba recently completed another directorial project, the upcoming Apple film “This Is How It Goes,” shot in Ghana and adapted from a Neil LaBute play through a fresh cultural lens. And while he’s preparing audiences for his eventual creative shift, Elba made it clear that acting still holds a deep place in his life, saying, “I love it still, but directing allows me to flex slightly different muscles.”

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