(AUDIO) Playing Madiba is a huge honour: Elba
Idris Elba addressed media at a press conference at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton on Monday.
The actor apologised for not being able to attend a presser held over the weekend with his co-stars due to an asthma attack.
"I would like to apologise first and thank you for coming" he said.
The actor, who plays the former president, attended the launch of his new film in Johannesburg on Sunday despite the asthma attack.
At the press briefing Elba spoke about how his South African co-stars were the hardest working and the most generous.
"The actors here are gracious, helpful and hard working. They helped me a lot which they didn't have to. I'm extremely impressed" says Elba.
Elba says it is a huge honour to play such an iconic role and he owes it all to his previous roles which ultimately led him down this path.
The actor acknowledged the difficulty that comes with such a role saying that people already feel connected to Madiba and already had their own perceptions on how he should potray the world icon.
Elba says "You have to make the character your own while mantaining the respect and honour associated with the character but also not forget people's perceptions."
"There was no messing about with this character and this story," the 41-year-old added.
Here are clips from the press conference:
Elba stars alongside Skyfall actress Naomie Harris in the movie, who plays Mr Mandela's wife Winnie.
-Jacanews / Jacatainment