Idris Elba has described playing Nelson Mandela as 'massive honour' as well as the 'biggest challenge'.
The British actor takes on the role of the former President of South Africa in new movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and is inspired by the autobiography of the same name.
Elba will play Mandela in the film as he teams up with director Justin Chadwick for the first time.
Speaking to The Independent the actor said: "To call the prospect of playing Nelson Mandela intimidating would be to put it lightly. But it's a massive honour to play this saint amongst men.
"I was honestly confused about why they came to me. I thought, 'You can't be serious! You chose me out of everyone you could have gone to?'
"Then I found out that Nelson Mandela was into The Wire. I thought, 'It's amazing - he might have kicked back and watched the Wire box set!'
"The role was definitely the biggest challenge of my life. I look and sound nothing like the man - but hopefully I've pulled it off."
The movie chronicles the life of Mandela from his childhood to his time in prison through to being elected as president of South Africa.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is released 3rd January 2014.
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