Sabrina Elba is known for her multifaceted career as a model, actress, and social advocate. She has also garnered attention for her professional achievements and impactful work in various social causes. With a net worth estimated between $3 million to $5 million in 2024, according to Allfamousbirthday, Elba’s journey in the entertainment industry and her advocacy work reflect a dynamic blend of success and purpose. Her ascent in the modeling world and her roles in film and television showcase her versatility and commitment to her craft. Beyond her entertainment career, Sabrina’s dedication to humanitarian efforts underscores her influence beyond the screen and runway, making her a notable figure in both the arts and philanthropy.
A Diverse Career In Entertainment & Modeling
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Sabrina Elba and Idris Elba attend the UK Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on January 30, 2024, in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Sabrina Elba’s entry into the public eye was marked by her success in the modeling industry, where her unique look and charisma quickly made her a sought-after name for high-profile fashion campaigns and editorials. Her ability to transcend traditional modeling roles, coupled with her forays into acting, illustrates a diverse and impactful career. Her appearances in film and television have allowed her to explore different facets of her artistic expression, further establishing her as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry.
Advocacy & Humanitarian Work
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Idris Elba and Co-host Sabrina Dhowre Elba attend. Annabel’s For The Amazon, a fundraising event at Annabel’s to plant one million trees in the Amazon rainforest, in partnership with. The Caring Family Foundation for One Tree Planted, at. Annabel’s on September 30, 2021 also in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Annabel’s)
Moreover, Sabrina Elba is profoundly dedicated to her work as a social advocate. Her involvement in various charitable organizations and initiatives, particularly those focusing on women’s rights and health issues, highlights her commitment to making a difference. Sabrina’s role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) speaks volumes about her passion for addressing issues of poverty and hunger, showcasing her influence extends far beyond her professional endeavors.
Personal Life & Public Persona
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House). Sabrina Elba attends the Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of. Paris Fashion Week on January 24, 2024 also in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Sabrina Elba’s personal life, particularly her marriage to actor Idris Elba, has also garnered public interest. However, her individual achievements and advocacy work truly define her public persona. Further, her approach to balancing her career with her philanthropic efforts demonstrates a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to leveraging her platform for positive change. Sabrina’s ability to inspire and influence, both as a public figure and as an advocate for social causes, underscores her significance in the public eye.
Apple TV+ just gave the Idris Elba-fronted series Hijack a green light on Season 2.
The popular series, also executive produced by Elba, is from creators George Kay and Jim Field Smith.
Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+, said in a statement, “Global audiences were on tenterhooks watching Idris’s riveting performance in ‘Hijack,’ and we’re thrilled to be working again with 60Forty and Idiotlamp on an equally compelling season two,”
Then Elba said, “I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!”
Here’s the official season 1 description:
Told in real-time, Hijack is a tense thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers. Elba will star as ‘Sam Nelson,’ an accomplished negotiator in the business world who needs to step up and use all his guile to try and save the lives of the passengers — but, his high-risk strategy could be his undoing. Panjabi will play the role of ‘Zahra Gahfoor,’ a counter-terrorism officer who is on the ground when the plane is hijacked and becomes part of the investigation.
The rundown on the cast members from the first season: Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Eve Myles, Neil Maskell, Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimee Kelly, Mohamed Elsandel, and Ben Miles.
Season 2 includes executive producers Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, and Tom Nash with 60Forty Films and executive producers Kay and Field Smith’s Idiotlamp Productions. Field Smith also serves as director for the series.
Idris Elba will get a second run in Hijack. According to Variety, Apple TV+ will set up a second season for the show where Elba stars as Sam Nelson.
In season one, Nelson was a passenger on an hour plane ride from Dubai to London that terrorists hijacked. Nelson was able to diffuse the situation, uncovering the mystery along the way.
“I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after Season 1,” Elba said. “It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson, but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!”
“Global audiences were on tenterhooks watching Idris’ riveting performance in ‘Hijack,’ and we’re thrilled to be working again with 60Forty and Idiotlamp on an equally compelling Season 2,” said Jay Hunt, Apple TV+’s creative director for Europe.
For viewers, Top Boy, starring Michael Ward and Kane Robinson, is merely a high-paced fictional series showcasing the UK’s dramatized underbelly. Sadly, the violence depicted in the beloved show is all too real for those living in the country. For London native, Luther actor, and musician Idris Elba, he’s using his platform to shed light on the heartbreaking reality.
Fed up with local elected officials’ lack of action, Elba launched his community grassroots organization, Don’t Stop Your Future. In support of the movement, Elba joined forces with DB Maz for the inventive rallying cry turned single, “Knives Down.” In the MD Films-directed video, Elba takes to the floor of Parliament to demand changes.
Throughout the poignant visual, the duo shows the dozens of people who’ve lost a loved one to a knife attack. The same gut-wrenching storytelling goes for the song’s official cover artwork, which features an image of Ronan Kanda. Kanda was tragically killed in 2022 following a case of mistaken identity.
In a statement, Elba spoke about what inspired him to release the track. “I can’t stay silent as more young lives are lost to these brutal and heartless crimes,” he said. “As school returns, too many young people will not be joining their classmates, and too many grieving families have lost a young person they love in recent years. Young people are our future. Their potential deserves to be met, not taken away by violence.
Watch the moving video above.
Learn more about Don’t Stop Your Future’s mission statement and demands to Parliament here.
Idris Elba says that he once was held at gunpoint by a man after trying to protect their wife during a domestic dispute. He recalled the incident during an interview with the SmartLess podcast published Tuesday.
“I nearly lost my fucking life after attempting to stop a man threatening his girlfriend outside a club,” Elba shared, as noted by the Daily Mail. “A guy [was] whaling on his missus, screaming in her face, ‘I’ll fucking kill you,’ and so on. I come round and I go, ‘Look how beautiful she is. Why would you talk to this beautiful princess like that?’”
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jay-Z – Shawn Carter, and Idris. Elba attend “The Harder They Fall” World Premiere during the 65th B.F.I. London Film Festival at The Mayfair Hotel on October 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
“He pulled out a gun, stuck it right in my face, and goes, ‘You talking about my girl?’ He thought I was trying to hit on her,” the Luther actor explained. “I remember thinking, ‘Don’t play negotiations like that… Consequences, man.’” Elba didn’t go into further details about where the incident took place nor how the situation de-escalated from there.
Elsewhere in the conversation, Elba discussed how he ended up playing a DJ set at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May 2018. He says that he was performing at various clubs at the time when one night he ran into Harry. “I was DJ-ing in all these clubs where [Prince] Harry would show up and he was like, ‘Yo!’ and I’m like, ‘Yo!’. And then at one point he was like, ‘Listen man, I’m getting married’. I was like, ‘Yo! That’s amazing,’” Elba explained. “He goes, ‘I want you to DJ’… I was like, ‘I don’t do requests!’”
Fans of Elba’s will be able to catch him in the upcoming Paramount+ animated series Knuckles. It’s a spin-off from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, in which he voiced the title character from the new series. It is expected to premiere later this year.
Idris Elba is revealing he once had a gun pulled on him while he attempted to stop a man threatening a woman. Speaking with The Daily Mail, Elba stated the incident happened outside of a club in America.
“I nearly lost my fucking life, after attempting to stop a man threatening his girlfriend outside a club,” Elba said. “A guy whaling on his missus, screaming in her face, ‘I’ll fucking kill you,’ and so on. I come ‘round and I go ‘Look how beautiful she is. Why would you talk to this beautiful princess like that?’”
The man would pull a gun and confront Elba, asking, “You talking about my girl?”
Elba said in the moment he thought “Don’t play negotiations like that… Consequences, man.”
Playing James Bond is considered one of the most prestigious roles in Hollywood. Just seven actors have played the iconic British spy since he was brought to the big screen in 1962. When each Bond retires, there is a wave of speculation on who might play him next. Given his veteran presence in the acting world, Idris Elba has not been immune to this speculation.
After Daniel Craig made it clear that he was done with Bond after SPECTRE, Elba’s name was one of several seen as a serious contender to fill the role. While Craig would return for No Time To Die, Elba was still viewed as a favorite to take up the mantle in the future. However, in a new interview with the SmartLess podcast, Elba has explained why he’s no longer interested in playing 007.
Racism Steered Elba Away From Bond
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Idris Elba attends the 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Elba was initially excited about the speculation. “The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this,” Elba admitted. “I was like, ‘This is cr*zy!’ James Bond…We’re all actors and we understand that role. It’s one of those coveted [roles]. Being asked to be James Bond was like, ‘Ok, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle’. That’s one of those things the whole world has a vote in.” However, the subsequent racist backlash inevitably moved Elba away from playing the character. “Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered,” Elba explained.
“Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it.” Elba’s views were somewhat validated by the latest Bond film to date, No Time To Die. The film, which featured Lashana Lynch as an MI6 agent who is briefly assigned the 007 moniker, received considerable backlash from those same people about making James Bond a black woman (which the film doesn’t do in the slightest).
An exhilarating thrill ride awaits Apple TV+ subscribers, with the upcoming British miniseries Hijack, slated for a premiere on June 28th, 2023. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, the show is set to captivate audiences with its unique narrative and impressive cast.
Release Date
Mark your calendars for June 28th, 2023! That’s when Hijack will make its highly anticipated debut on Apple TV+. The suspense is palpable, with eager fans counting down the days until the series premieres.
Hijack revolves around Sam, a skilled business negotiator forced to apply his acumen in an extraordinary situation. Tasked with resolving a hijacking incident on a flight from Dubai to London, Sam must negotiate a peaceful resolution in a tense environment. This gripping premise lays the groundwork for a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Idris Elba, acclaimed for his exceptional acting prowess, leads the series in the role of Sam Nelson. Alongside Elba, the series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Archie Panjabi as Zahra Gahfoor, Christine Adams as Marsha Smith-Nelson, and Max Beesley as DI Daniel Farrell.
Adding further depth to the series is Eve Myles as Alice Sinclair, Neil Maskell as Stuart Atterton, and Kate Phillips as Collette. The series also features Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimée Kelly as Jamie Constantinou, Mohamed Elsandel as Jaden, Ben Miles as Robin Allen, Holly Aird as Amanda, Gretchen Egolf as Adelaide, Antonia Salib as Leesha, Zora Bishop as Deevia, Fatima Adoum as Rashida, Ananya Chadha, Nebras Jamali as Nasir, Lucia Aliu as Lizzy Blakefield, Mei Henri as Naomi, and Chantelle Alle as Kacey, all adding color to the exciting narrative.
News of the upcoming miniseries first broke in April 2022 when Apple TV+ gave the green light for the production, with Elba starring and serving as an executive producer. The script, penned by George Kay, and directed by Jim Field Smith, lends credence to the project’s high expectations.
The production started in May 2022 in Aylesbury and extended till October of the same year. Along with Elba, the cast saw an addition in May with Archie Panjabi joining the ranks. With such a stellar team behind the scenes, Hijack appears to be a series that will be both riveting and memorable.
In conclusion, Hijack promises to be a thrilling addition to Apple TV+’s roster of shows. With a captivating premise, an all-star cast, and an experienced production team, ‘Hijack’ is poised to hijack viewers’ attention come June 28, 2023.
As The Wire celebrates its 21st anniversary since its premiere in June 2002, several cast members from the acclaimed show have gone on to achieve notable success in their careers. SOHH takes a look at where some of the other beloved cast members of The Wire are now. Julito McCollum McCollom, who portrayed Namond Price […]
For years, Idris Elba has cemented himself as one of the most captivating and diverse actors in the industry. His continued success is undoubtedly due to his remarkable versatility. Speculation persists that he may soon become the next James Bond after Daniel Craig departs. Along with his latest venture Hijack, which he also produced, the 50-year-old has portrayed a multitude of characters. From animated police officers to a brilliant criminal mastermind, Idris has been garnering an impressive assortment of awards and nominations in the process. If you’re looking for Idris Elba movies, here are some of his most compelling roles.
7. Shere Khan – The Jungle Book (2016)
Idris Elba showcases his remarkable talent as the voice of Shere Khan in the 2016 remake of Rudyard Kipling’s timeless classic. He artfully evokes Khan’s maliciousness, accentuating his emotions with his signature baritone and conveying a vengeful dialog resplendent with gravity. From their first confrontation, Khan ominously questions Mowgli’s value of life. Favreau’s retelling is a nail-biting escape film as opposed to an animated romp.
6. Heimdall – Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Idris Elba’s portrayal of Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a masterclass in acting. His take on the All-Seeing guardian of the Bifrost is one of wry humor and confident screen presence. Additionally, his loyalty was often tested by circumstances that required him to commit treason against Odin. For instance, he aided Thor in hiding Jane Foster from Malekith in Thor: The Dark World, driven by a desire to protect Asgard from an even greater danger. Similarly, in Thor: Ragnarok, Elba shines as Heimdall hides the people of Asgard from Hela and works towards reuniting them with Thor. Despite his understated role, Elba left viewers yearning for more of the All-Seeing One until he met his demise in Avengers: Infinity War.
When the future of the world hangs precariously in the balance, who better to call on than Stacker Pentecost? As portrayed by Elba, this resolute leader of the Pan Pacific Defence Corps proves incredibly inspiring. From delivering motivational speeches to channeling an imposing demeanor towards Charlie Hunnam’s Raleigh Becket, Elba masterfully conveys Pentecost’s sense of duty and commitment to saving mankind. Furthermore, the actor’s powerful performance is a perfect foil to Del Toro’s electric, vibrant style, further enhanced by a suave mustache. All in all, this is one of those Idris Elba movies that cements his place as a go-to star for action adventures.
4. Nelson Mandela – Mandela: The Long Walk To Freedom (2013)
Idris Elba fearlessly took on the daunting challenge of portraying South Africa’s beloved anti-Apartheid leader and activist Nelson Mandela. To prepare, he spent a night on Robben Island, near the cell where Mandela once served his 27-year imprisonment. In doing so, Elba brought all facets of Mandela’s life to the screen. Through his hard-hitting portrayal, Elba humanized the injustice of Apartheid laws and governance while also commemorating the real-life Mandela. Sadly, on the night of its London premiere, the film became a tribute to Mandela who had passed just hours prior at age 95.
Idris Elba is a force to be reckoned with in Beasts Of No Nation. As the enigmatic Commandant, he commands the viewer’s attention, delivering an unwavering portrayal of a man consumed by a grizzly war. His presence is both authoritative and monstrous, making a palpable portrayal of the brutality of conflict and exposing its grim reality. Elba seamlessly navigates between a heroic leader and a callous killer, embodying the moral ambiguity inherent in armed struggle. His charisma awakens in us a fear that somehow we are meant to sympathize with this man. On the other hand, our conscience revolts at the atrocities he perpetrates. With an all but unequaled acting prowess, Elba conveys the horror of battle in all its unadulterated cruelty. Undoubtedly, Beasts of No Nation will go down as of the best Idris Elba movies.
2. John Luther – Luther (2010 – 2019)
Idris Elba’s portrayal of DCI John Luther is legendary. His signature style – a grey coat, red tie, and grey shirt – has become emblematic of the beloved detective, who tirelessly navigates crime scenes, criminal underworlds, and an enigmatic relationship with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson). With wit and moral complexity, Elba masterfully paints a character that consistently teeters between the darkness and the light. Through this iconic role, Elba has cemented his status as a famous figure on British television.
Idris Elba’s unique vocal accent is a treat to behold in the BBC show, allowing him to showcase his captivating tones without alteration. His character, Luther, strikes an interesting contrast between his cool composure and uncompromising wrath—one never knows when he may burst forth with rage, making for a riveting viewing experience.
With immense poise, Idris Elba captivated viewers in The Wire as Stringer Bell – a multifaceted character who strategically directs a drug empire and isn’t afraid to commit lethal deeds. A true visionary, Stringer remains driven to better himself, even while exuding an air of authority far surpassing his nominal rank. Through Elba’s nuanced portrayal, we observe a masterful reflection of strength and insight, making the audience well aware of why this performance became one of Elba’s most iconic. It is no wonder that when most people consider Elba’s acting career, Stringer Bell is among the first characters they recall; such is the excellence of this performance.
