8. Idris Elba
Most popular for playing Stringer Bell on The Wire, Idris Elba has yet to really hit the right note in the movies so far. On tv, he's been excellent - as well as his acclaimed performance on David Simon's masterpiece, his role in Luther and guest appearances in The Big C showcased some of his best work, it's just yet to work for him in film. Elba has a mighty screen presence with his huge build and rough voice and is the perfect actor to build a film around, rather than have him in a supporting role. Elba looks like he finally has the chance to lead a movie as he is set to play Nelson Mandela in a biopic which has already been picked up for distribution by The Weinstein Company. Elba's film work has mostly been limited to superhero movies such as Thor, The Losers and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and supporting roles in things such as Prometheus, American Gangster, RocknRolla and 28 Weeks Later and he is underused in every single one of them. When he got the chance to be the lead - in Takers and Obsessed - he was let down by the direction and script as both were riddled with cliche's and had been seen a hundred times before. Idris Elba is one of the coolest men on the planet, he has the movie star charm and acting ability to back it up, it's just time to give him a substantial part in a movie for once. Top 5 Movies:
1. American Gangster 2. Buffalo Soliders 3. Prometheus 4. The Losers 5. 28 Weeks Later