Idris Elba Archives - Foreign policy

Sam Smith Believes He Had COVID-19

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020

Sam Smith, a highly popular songwriter/singer, has received high awards and praises for his songs since the beginning of his career. After the outbreak of Coronavirus in the UK, he gave an interview where he said that he believes that he was positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, he explained why he has this opinion. This is the newest story of a celebrity being faced with consequences inflicted by this dangerous virus. We already had the stories about Pink and Idris Elba who were in quarantine.

Sam Smith’s career started back in 2012, and he continues to impress people all over the world with his music ever since. He revealed that he started practicing self-quarantine several weeks before the outbreak was official in the UK. He thinks he got infected while he was in the United Kingdom. He didn’t get tested for this disease, but he is pretty sure that he was positive. He added that he read all there is to know about this disease and that it matched all of the symptoms he had. Also, it is interesting to know that his sister who lives with him started getting the same symptoms a couple of days later.

Smith pointed out that he managed to beat this condition before the whole country came under a lockdown. He started practicing self-quarantine three weeks before the official lockdown, and he beat the coronavirus just when the complete country was in an official quarantine. Also, he said that he has his grandmother living with him and that he didn’t want to risk anything bad happening to her, so he started with his own measure before the state started its own. Sam Smith was in quarantine for three weeks because it was the recommendation gave by the doctors.

Just to remind you, Sam Smith won an Oscar for his song appearing in “Spectre”, a James Bond movie released back in 2015. As we said, his career really started to pick up after he featured on “Latch”, a Disclosure’s single that ended up on the eleventh place on the UK singles chart. Some of his best-known songs are “Money on My Mind”, “Stay with Me”, and “Lonely Hour”. This is the newest story we have a celebrity their coronavirus quarantine and state. Recently, Pink stated that she and her son were tested for the coronavirus and that they are in quarantine.

Wealth Inequality during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Published on March 22, 2020March 23, 2020

Coronavirus/Health

Privilege – a tale as old as time. The word used to be associated with land owners and monarchs. When we hear it today, it automatically makes us think of the rich and famous – celebrities. The people who have it all – looks, popularity, the riches, and in the eyes of the working class, happiness.

Celebrities are a part of modern-day American culture – regular people see them as role models, even believing that one person deserves to accumulate such wealth and power. But in the light of the new threat of the corona pandemic, that power hierarchy is being put into question.

There’s news all over the social media of celebrities being tested positive for COVID-19, like Idris Elba, Kevin Durant and Tom Hanks. Some of these celebrities showed no symptoms, but were in contact with infected people. There’s been a few celebrities like Kris Jenner who announced negative test results, after complaining on their social media about not being able to get tested.

Meanwhile, an average American is being denied a test, even if they show clear symptoms. They have been denied on the basis of not having travelled abroad. Some don’t even get a sugar-coated version; they are straight up told there aren’t enough tests for everyone.

This pandemic really highlights the fact that capitalism managed to seep through every aspect of living. This is further displayed with the recent news of US senators selling their stocks back in January, all the while attempting to convince the public that nothing is out of the ordinary.

The issue isn’t in celebrities being tested – they should be getting tested for the safety of the people around them, but it’s not just them that should be getting tested. The problem is that right alongside hearing about Heidi Klum being tested negative for corona, we also hear reports of the utter failure of testing regular people, as well as medical professionals who are the single most exposed group.

Fans of these celebrities are reacting to the news with shock. “Not Forrest Gump!”, “Uncle Idris too, corona has officially gone too far!”. But these responses are to be expected – the general public has always been getting distracted by the higher-ups, news outlets and people that dictate what is important. This is exactly why now is the time to wake up and start realizing the harsh truth –Sure, Uncle Idris and Tom Hanks aren’t directly profiting from the current situation like those 4 US senators, but they are the face of the astounding wealth inequality worldwide.

At the end of the day, these multi-millionaires will be the ones getting the vital resources, not an average person. They WILL be fine – after all, they can afford all the medical care in the world. This is not what our reality in the modern age should look like – if we appropriately divide tests among people who actually need it and not just among the wealthy, it could save an immeasurable amount of lives. If we keep heading the same path, it could potentially lead to global destruction. The collapse of the global economy would alter the lives of everyone, but the working class is going to be the most affected, as always.

Testing is just one aspect of the blinding inequality the entire world is being faced with in this crisis. The working class is massively being laid off due to self-quarantine, while billionaires are worrying about saving money. Researchers and scientists are working day and night to find a cure to save the world, while multi-million-dollar conglomerates are thinking about how to further monetize global suffering. People working minimum wage are essential in this crisis – nurses, cashiers, teachers – they expose themselves for us every single day by going to work, while people from high-paying fields sit comfortably at home and do their work from their laptops. Service workers and gig organizers face bankruptcy, while the top 1% hides in the shadows and plays Monopoly with the global economy.

The people in power care only about their own, about people like themselves. Rich, powerful, influential. We mean nothing to them, and it’s as if they are on a separate plane of existence. We do not have their support, and when the ship sinks, they are going to be the ones on the lifeboats. After we hopefully rise from this situation, we should remember who was there for us, and it was people sinking with us. Everyday people, heroes. We should respect those people risking their lives so that we can collectively stay afloat. Structural change is long overdue, but we will save that for later, after defeating our common enemy. For now, all that we can do is support each other in this hardship that we’re all faced with. We do that by protecting ourselves and others in every little way we can find.

Idris Elba Quarantine Rap Song: The Long Road 2

Published on March 22, 2020

Entertainment

Looks like Idris Elba has found a way to cope with his self-isolation due to him being infected with COVID-19, better known as Corona Virus. Earlier this week, he announced that he was tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.

The famous actor who lesser known as a music producer and DJ released an almost four-minute song on his Instagram profile on Friday. The title of the song is “The Long Road 2”. In the description of the video, he wrote, and we quote, “Creating is living right now”. Also, he wrote another sentence, stating that music is his therapy.

The topic of this newly released song is Elba discussing his self-quarantine. He spoke about this being the right time for a direct talk, and him being quarantine in his spare room. This all led him to let some thoughts out.

Later in the song, he discusses the declare of the national emergency by President Donald Trump last week. Also, he raps about viral videos that show self-quarantine Italians who are singing from their terraces. Ultimately, he says, what a week.

View this post on Instagram

Music therapy.

A post shared by Idris Elba (@idriselba) on Mar 19, 2020 at 4:47pm PDT

Back on Tuesday, he answered some questions from his followers on Twitter. He stated that his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, was also tested on the Coronavirus and that her test showed her negative on COVID-19. Later in the live stream, he talked about him being by Tom Hanks’ public speaking about him being positive on a virus.

Just to remind you, last week Tom Hanks released a statement where he says that both he and his wife, Rita Wilson, were tested positive. Elba claimed that he felt it is important to be transparent about his condition, and that he is worried about people not taking this new virus seriously. In the end, he said that he is worried that the world will slide in the panic, and that common sense will be at loss in this case.

The Rock Promotes Samoan Culture in His New Movie

Published on July 10, 2019

Celebs/Movie

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the most recognizable people in the world today. This forty-seven-year-old comes from a Samoan origin. Recently, he got an opportunity to present some of his cultures on the big screen. The Rock recently stated that was the key thing for him starring in a Fast and furious spin-off “Hobbs & Shaw”.

As you probably know, Dwayne Johnson will appear in “Hobbs & Shaw” alongside Jason Statham from the United Kingdom. These actors come from different cultures and invested their mentalities in this project. The Rock stated that culture was a key factor for this movie to be made, naturally, alongside chemistry between actors.

Johnson stated that Samoan culture didn’t have the opportunity to reach billion people around the globe, that it has with this movie. He stated that he is ecstatic to see something like that happening and that he is involved in this project. He will reprise the role of policeman Luke Hobbs, and Jason Statham will reprise his role of Deckard Shaw.

Today, Jason Statham lives in Los Angeles and he was very happy to return to the United Kingdom, to be a part of a large, blockbuster movie. He said that he loved working in the UK after a really large amount of time. The movie was filmed just outside the Leadenhall`s and Lloyd`s buildings. His character, Deckard Shaw is a typical representative of the people from the United Kingdom.

He drives a British-made, 720S McLaren, which was made in Surrey. He wears an old Saville Row suit, Cleverly shoes, and Budd shirt. The Brits are a majority in the cast of “Hobbs & Shaw”. Alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, you will have the opportunity to see Helen Mirren, Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby, and the movie is going to be directed by David Leitch.

Dwayne Johnson Confirms That the Production of ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ Has Officially Wrapped

Published on May 20, 2019May 20, 2019

Movie

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson confirms that the production of ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ has wrapped and its initial release will happen on August 2. The first film from the Fast & Furious series was released in 2001 and ever since then, there have been eight films. This American media franchise also includes a television series, short films, theme park attractions, and live shows. It centers around heists, illegal car racing, and espionage.

‘Hobbs & Shaw’ is the first Fast & Furious spinoff film whose story is focused on the characters Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne Johnson and Deckard Shaw, portrayed by Jason Statham. The production started in September 2018. Dwayne Johnson has kept us updated ever since the beginning. He shared a post on the first day on the set and continued doing so.

The villain in the film is played by Idris Elba, while Vanessa Kirby plays Shaw’s sister Hattie. Even though the original Fast and Furious cast has criticized the spinoff and there was a lawsuit from producer Neal H. Moritz, it hasn’t stopped the production to carry on. So, the production has officially wrapped up and it’s ready for release.

Besides ‘Hobbs & Shaw’, the fans of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise are eagerly waiting for Fast & Furious 9 in 2020. Even though the ninth film was supposed to be released this year, it was postponed due to the production of ‘Hobbs & Shaw’. Consequently, The Rock was publicly criticized by Tyrese Gibson for prioritizing his spinoff over the main entrance of the series.

‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ has had a number of reshoots, but this is quite common for films. It looks like this film will be another big hit for Universal Studios financially. We are all looking forward to seeing Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in the same movie.

Savagery is in the blood. #MamaKnowsBest #SamoanAssWhoopin #HobbsAndShaw AUGUST 2ND WORLDWIDE

1.3m Likes, 10.6k Comments – @therock on Instagram: “Savagery is in the blood. #MamaKnowsBest #SamoanAssWhoopin #HobbsAndShaw AUGUST 2ND WORLDWIDE”

How much money are The Rock and Jason Statham getting for ‘Fast and Furious’ spin-off ‘Hobbs and Shaw’

Published on May 5, 2019

Entertainment

Universal is spending a lot of money to launch its first “Fast and Furious” spin-off, precisely a total of $41 million among its three leads.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be getting $20 million for his role, Jason Statham will earn $13 million and the movie villain, which is played by Idris Elba is going to get $8 million, according to Variety’s breakdown of salaries.

Statham and Johnson will play their characters- Deckard Shaw and Luke Hobbs from the famous “Fast and Furious” franchise. “Hobbs and Shaw” is the first spin-off movie in this franchise, and we can see how much the studio has invested in this project.
This franchise, which consists of eight movies, has earned over $5 billion worldwide for now. The last movie, “The Fate of the Furious,” from 2017 has made more than $1.2 billion worldwide.

If the movies do well, Johnson and Statham will likely get more than one check. They are both listed as producers, and if “Hobbs and Shaw” becomes a hit, they will get more from that as well.

Dwayne Johnson is additionally getting paid for promoting titles on his social media. He is making another Universal movie, “Red Notice,” and for that, he will get $1 million on top of his $21 million base pay for his social media support toward the movie.

Take a closer look into the Fast & Furious Spin-off Hobbs & Shaw

Published on December 12, 2018

Movie

We have new information about Hobbs & Shaw, the Fast & Furious spin-off.
The Rock will come back in the roll of Luke Hobbs in the upcoming movie and last Saturday, on December 1 he shared a pic from the set – a very intense, action packed scene. His companion Vanessa Kirby is in the pic too. You can look up the picture on Dwayne Johnson’s instagram account.

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On set. HOBBS & SHAW. They always play hard to catch. The ever chivalrous, Hobbs told Hattie Shaw (MI6 operative and overall bad ass played by my homegirl @vanessa__kirby) we can do this dance one of two ways/ We’ll share some tequila ? and then you’re under arrest and I’m takin’ you in. or.. I’m takin’ you in. Apparently, she felt the tequila would have to wait. For the record, we closed down the streets of London to shoot this massive action sequence and on the first take an ‘ol Kirbs here takes off like the second coming of Usain Bolt… WHILE WEARING NO SHOES ?????? #TheHobbsHattieDance #HobbsAndShaw SUMMER 2019 ? @hhgarcia41

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Dec 1, 2018 at 1:33am PST

The caption of the picture reads: “On Set. HOBBS & SHAW. They always play hard to catch. The ever chivalrous Hobbs told Hattie Shaw (MI6 operative and overall bad ass played by my homegirl [Vanessa Kirby]) we can do this dance one of two ways. We’ll share some tequila and then you’re under arrest and I’m taking you in or…I’m taking you in. Apparently, she felt the tequila would have to wait. For the record, we closed down the streets of London to shoot this massive action sequence and on the first take [Kirby] here takes off like the second coming of Usain Bolt…WHILE WEARING NO SHOES.”

Back in October, The Rock posted an instagram that was the first look at the movie, and it was a picture of him and Jason Statham (Deckard Shaw) staring at each other with fierce looks on their faces.

There were more pictures of the movie posted, one of which confirmed that the character by the name Brixton will be played by Idris Elba.
The movie is set to be released on August 2, 2019.

25 Actors Who Should Play James Bond – Who is the Best?

Published on October 8, 2018October 17, 2018

Movie

Casting for the new James Bond hasn’t been finished, and it has been delayed. Who might be the next in line for the role of the most famous secret agent? The James Bond franchise is the precious gem of cinema with the long tradition. Are we going to watch the potential return of Daniel Craig or is it the right time for the new actor in the leading role? Curious to see who might be a new MI-6 swagger? Is he going to be your cup of tea? In the list below here are 25 Actors Who Should Play James Bond.

25. Jamie Dornan

This actor was born in Belfast, Ireland, and is also known for his role in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie series. He also got a role in a great historical drama Anthropoid. Jamie is a good looking fellow with beautiful eyes, but is that enough for the iconic character of James Bond?

24. Luke Evans

Born in Aberbargoed, South of Wales, this actor, whom you may know from The Hobbit, Fast and Furious 6, and Beauty and the Beast received classic training. He appears in many London`s West End stage productions.

23. Aidan Turner

Born in Dublin, Ireland, like Luke, he is a classically trained actor too, starring in many theater productions. You may remember him from The Hobbit trilogy; he was playing the dwarf Kili.

22. Danny Dyer

If you are looking for someone that is not worldwide famous, but a capable actor, to pull off the character of James Bond, this is the right choice. Dyer is Brit who can focus on the character, and that is the point and tradition in this movie. We want a star power of Bond, not star power of the actor.

21. Clive Owen

Growing up in Warwickshire, England, this actor is best known for his roles in Children of Men and Inside Man. It would be great to see him as a Bond because over the years he has done some fabulous work on the big screen.

20. Tom Hiddleston

After Thor trilogy and the Avengers movies and his role of Loki, this actor needs no introduction. Hiddleston was born in Westminster, London, and he is the perfect fit for this role because he is a talented and charming fellow.

19. Dan Stevens

This actor you may remember for his role in Downtown Abbey. He has got a wide range of roles, from horror to action drama TV series, which is the proof that he could be the next Bond. You probably may know Stevens from The Guest or Legion.

18. Richard Armitage

You will recognize this actor from the Hobbit trilogy or Ocean`s 8. He`s got that MI6 agent look growing up in Leicester, England.

17. Richard Madden

Everyone knows `king in the North` Robb Stark. Madden hasn`t got many roles on the film, but he is well known for the famous television show Game of Thrones, and he could nail the Bond role.

16. Nicholas Hoult

This actor hit the scene with the Mad Max, and he can bring skills and inbreathe life in Bond on the big screen.

15. Rupert Friend

Born and raised in Oxfordshire, England, combined with his impressive acting skills, he could be the perfect Bond. You will remember him from Homeland, Hitman: Agent 47 and The Young Victoria.

14. Christian Bale

We can agree on this, Batman is a shoe in for the role, with his distinctive acting he can bring the whole new take on the MI6 agent.

13. Benedict Cumberbatch

He was impressive and unbelievable Sherlock and Doctor Strange, with his charm and enormous talent he could be the next great Bond.

12. Kit Harington

We are not so familiar with his role in a movie titled MI-5, but you probably know who is Jon Snow from the series Game of Thrones? We can move this English actor to MI-6, wait and see what will happen.

11. Charlie Cox

Primarily known for his role as Daredevil on Netflix, Cox has done many of roles in TV and TV movies, but the main question is can he pull off James Bond character.

10. Hugh Dancy

You may remember this British actor from Black Hawk Down or King Arthur or his most famous TV show Hannibal. Dancy, with his charm and acting talent, easily can become the most wanted agent.

9. David Oyelowo

This actor is born in Oxford, England and classically trained and graduated at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. You may know him from the movie Selma and his role of Martin Luther King Jr.

8. Jack Reynor

Reynor was born in Colorado but raised in Ireland, and that is the fact which made him a perfect fit for this job. You probably recognize him from the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction.

7. Rebecca Ferguson

Who runs the world? Girls! Is it the right time for a woman to take on the role of James Bond? She is a capable, beautiful young actress well known for her role in Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation and Fallout.

6. Chiwetel Ejiofor

High on our list of potential agents is this guy. He has done tremendous work since the early 90`s. You probably remember him for his role of Mordo in Doctor Strange or Solomon Northrup in 12 Years of Slave.

5. Matt Smith

This is the actor who is the most famous for his role of The Doctor in Doctor Who, and he has got an unknown role in Star Wars: Episode IX.

4. Michael Fassbender

With his acting talent and irresistible charm, this man is a perfect fit for the role of the most famous agent in the world. You will remember him from the X-Men: First Class and Alien: Covenant.

3. Henry Cavill

It would be great to see what the Superman could bring to the MI6 character. You recognize this handsome fellow from the Man of Steel, Batman vs. Superman and Justice League. Cavill already has played in two spy movies- The Man from UNCLE and Mission: Impossible- Fallout.

2. Idris Elba

This actor has denied that he will be the next Bond, but women all over the world can at least dream about it.

1. Tom Hardy

Born in Hammersmith, England, Hardy is perfect for the role. You may remember him from Rocknrolla or Mad Max: Fury Road. At this point in his career, he could play anything you want with his acting eclectic talent, charm and powerful performance.