Idris Elba Reveals He Once Asked Michael Jordan If He Could Play Him In A Movie

Idris Elba Reveals He Once Asked Michael Jordan If He Could Play Him In A Movie

It looks like Idris Elba has hopes of playing Michael Jordan in a movie!

During a recent interview, Idris Elba, 49, revealed that he previously asked Michael Jordan, 59, if he could play him in a film one day. During a recent interview, Idris Elba explains that he had the privilege of meeting the basketball legend at one of his various parties in the Bahamas. Idris said,

“So Jordan had these wicked getaways in the Bahamas. He would invite a bunch of people out. I think me and Gabrielle Union went out there, we were promoting a movie, ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’ and I was gassed to be at Jordan weekend.” 

He goes on to say that he met Michael Jordan a couple of times, and told him he would like to play him one day in a movie, however, Jordan wasn’t too sure about that idea. Idris Elba explains,

“I [met him] once or twice, just to say hello. I even said to him one time, ‘I want to play you.’ He was like,’hmm, I’m not ready yet.'”

Idris Elba

Idris says his interest in playing him was more so to highlight Michael Jordan’s success in business. He explains,

“In my head, playing Jordan wouldn’t be about playing the basketball player, it was about the businessman. He is a very astute businessman, really smart. And his work as a philanthropist is like unspoken, but people don’t understand the work–he cares.”

He continues,

“So that’s where I was getting at, I wanna play Jordan, I’m doing that. But he [Jordan] was like, ‘ahh I’m not ready for that story yet.'”

Michael Jordan

See the full clip below:

Although Michael Jordan turned down Idris Elba’s offer to play him in a movie, if he ever changes his mind, Idris would be a great candidate thanks to his impressive resume! Idris Elba has an acting career that spans nearly 20 years. He is known for his work in TV and Film and has landed major roles in projects such as, “The Wire,” “Luther,” “Thor,” “This Christmas,” “Pacific Rim,”  “American Gangster,” and “The Harder They Fall.”

What are your thoughts? Could you see Idris Elba portray Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments below!