4. Idris Elba
The man from Hackney is known to have a knack for strong acting, and has demonstrated the dimension he adds - with titles such as American Gangster (2007), Takers (2010), The Losers (2010) and Thor (2011) to name a few where he has mostly played the tough-guy character - a recipe seemingly fitting to his style.
Elbas big break came through HBOs popular show,
The Wire, in which he portrayed a Baltimore druglord and aspiring businessman named Russell Stringer Bell. He followed up as
Charles Miner in 7 episodes of
The Office and went on to win a Golden Globe Award for best actor as
DCI John Luther in
BBCs psychological crime drama series,
Luther. Throughout his career, Tarantino has worked with very unique black actors, and unique here might just be a fusion of style, intellect, flair and wit. That is where Idris Elba sets the bar high as a QT prospect with his wealth of acting experience in gangster-themed productions and authoritarian roles - bringing to mind
Guy Ritchies RockNRolla (2008) where Elba played
Mumbles, a tough guy who along with Tom Hardy (Handsome Bob) and Gerard Butler (One-Two) form a group known as the Wild Bunch. Guy Ritchie is believed to be QTs closest competitor in the crime genre making it an even more exciting partnership to wish for. The actors build, sarcastic and witty delivery - make him an ideal candidate for the Tarantino expedition. Come on Mr. Tarantino!
It's also worth noting that Elba was widely believed to be the third choice for the lead role of Django in Tarantino's latest movie behind Will Smith (who turned the film down) and Jamie Foxx, who ultimately accepted the offer.