Idris Elba has been making waves in the entertainment industry in recent years with his diverse range of roles. From playing gunslinging villains to beloved TV detectives, Elba has tackled a variety of characters. His latest project, the seven-part series Hijack, takes him in a completely different direction. Elba not only stars in the show but also executive produced it through his production company, Green Door.
Hijack, which premieres on Apple TV+ on June 28, follows the story of Sam Nelson, a business negotiator trying to save his failing marriage. While on a flight from Dubai to London, a group of ruthless criminals takes control of the plane, turning it into a high-stakes hostage situation. However, instead of relying on brute force, Nelson uses his intelligence and communication skills to help relay information to authorities on the ground and defuse the situation onboard. The show unfolds in real-time, adding an extra layer of tension to the story.
Elba was drawn to the project because of its unique nature and the opportunity to try something different. Compared to his previous roles in shows like The Wire and Luther, Hijack offered an instant immersion into the character’s situation. Elba wanted the show to be a water cooler moment, sparking discussions among viewers about the thrilling story.
The filming process for Hijack was also unlike anything Elba had done before. The majority of the series takes place within the confines of the plane, creating a theatrical atmosphere. The tight space allowed Elba to interact closely with the cast, building strong relationships with each actor. The crew shot the episodes mainly in sequence to maintain the story’s flow and make adjustments as they continued to develop the later episodes.
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Although Elba didn’t contribute to the actual writing of Hijack, he was involved in the concept stages and worked closely with his production company to shape the story. The initial idea behind Hijack was to explore different personality types and societal dynamics within the microcosm of a flight from Dubai to London.
Elba explained that he was pleasantly surprised by the direction the show took. The story focused more on the character’s vulnerability and intelligence rather than relying solely on physical action. This shift allowed Elba to break away from the traditional tough guy image often associated with him and explore a different side of his acting abilities. He appreciated the opportunity to keep audiences guessing about what he might do next.
One of the standout performances in Hijack comes from actor Neil Maskell, who plays one of the hijackers. Elba praised Maskell’s commitment and intensity, noting that he fully immersed himself in the role. However, Elba revealed that Maskell is actually quite soft-hearted in real life, adding another layer of complexity to his performance.
Filming Hijack has also affected Elba’s perception of air travel. He admitted to being more aware of his surroundings and paying closer attention to the actions of fellow passengers and crew members. Elba shared a personal experience of being on a flight when a fellow traveler passed away, causing an unexpected diversion. His unique perspective from working on the show gave him a deeper understanding of the information flow and the challenges faced by airline staff in delicate situations.
Aside from Hijack, Elba has also been involved in other projects, including the animated R-rated film Fixed, where he voiced a castrated dog with a badass attitude. He described the experience as freeing yet politically incorrect, similar to the humor found in films like Sausage Party.
Looking ahead, Elba is set to tackle another project as a director with the film Infernus. Following his directorial debut with Yardie in 2018, Elba took his time to find the right project that would challenge and excite him. He didn’t want to repeat what he had already done and aimed to explore new territories. Infernus, an action thriller, will mark his first time directing and starring in a film, a daunting task that he’s both eager and apprehensive about.
Whether it’s hijack thrillers, animated comedies, or directorial endeavors, Idris Elba continues to push boundaries and surprise audiences with his versatility and dedication to his craft. With each new project, he strives to challenge himself and leave a lasting impression on viewers worldwide.
