The Wire Cast: Where Are They Now?

With one possible exception, no one has done better out of The Wire than Idris Elba. Stringer Bell was one of the most fascinating characters on the show, a genuinely fresh take on the TV gangster, and Bell’s imposing presence and quiet charisma pegged him as the show’s obvious breakout star (not that he was an entirely unknown quantity at the time).

Since then, Elba has been inescapable. He had a fun bit part in American Gangster and snagged a recurring spot in the MCU as Thor’s pal Heimdall. He did his best shouting in Pacific Rim, and escaped from 2019’s Cats mostly unscathed. Perhaps most notable was BBC drama Luther, a high octane cop show with Elba turning in a fun if unsubtle performance.

Alongside the blockbusters, Elba has shepherded to the screen many passion projects, including hard hitting child soldier drama Beasts of No Nation, which he co-produced. As the nameless Commandant he’s nothing short of terrifying, but generous, too, never stealing focus from the young subjects.

He has created two comedy series, In the Long Run and Turn Up Charlie, both of which tackle subject matters close to his heart. His star continues to rise, and Elba has commendably used his status to do whatever he wants.