WARNING: This Article May Contain Spoilers
I think I’ve mentioned a few times in other articles that I had no idea who the actor was prior to being cast in the MCU. Well, that is not the case for Idris as he is an extremely well known actor in the UK prior to breaking America and becoming Heimdall, guardian of the Bifröst. He cuts such an imposing figure in this film that I think he was a brilliant choice. In case anyone didn’t know, here’s a little fact for you regarding his character, in Norse mythology (because I’m sure you’re all aware that characters in Thor films/comics are based on this) is actually the overall protector of Asgaard, surveying for threats and the onset of Ragnarök…
The Unborn
For those wishing to watch this film after reading this article, I would like to warn you of some disturbing images. I’ll be honest, they didn’t bother me but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I was gutted that Idris’ part is so small but it is still a key role (alongside Gary Oldham) nonetheless. Also, having someone with such a hulking figure to be the penultimate one to be possessed makes it a little bit more terrifying (not saying I was scared obviously).
Takers
Originally, I was going to watch this film for Zoe Saldana. However, she isn’t in it enough to talk about, whereas Idris actually plays one of the lead characters. The way this film started, I expected it to be one of those cheesy, low budget films that was trying to be gritty and edgy but it actually turned out to be much better than I was expecting. What I liked about it is that they gave who would technically be the bad guys a human side – almost a Robin Hood element as the money they stole to specific charities. Additionally, in the case of Idris’ character of Gordon Cozier, they introduce the character of Naomi – his drug addicted big sister. The only issue, which I give credit to my mum for pointing this out and it isn’t an issue with Idris’ acting, is that when they rob the bank in the beginning – why have the Englishman speak? Would this not give your team away almost straight away as it would clearly be out of place in America?
One Love
This film for me is 100% Romeo and Juliet. Kassa and Serena being the leads, making Aaron (played by Idris of course) Count Paris – the man vying for Juliet’s love. It might be because the actress that plays Serena looks so young but it seems pretty odd that her father would betroth her to someone that seems to be much older than her. Not saying that Idris looks old of course. He actually plays quite a conniving, and rather sceptical character – especially with the way he drops Serena in it about meeting and singing with Kassa. I actually think that this film shows the dark path that jealousy can take a person down.
Honorary Mentions
So, I mentioned at the beginning of the article that Idris was already well-known in the UK prior to stepping into the MCU. Well, most people will know him from watching Luther and the American audiences will recognize him as Stringer Bell in The Wire but before all this he starred as Vaughan Rice in 1998 in the TV mini series Ultraviolet. I’ll just point out – if you can get hold of this series and TV film, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
