Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Images for Universal
Monday (July 29), invited guests converged on the Regal E-Walk Times Square for a special screening of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Power 105.1’s Angie Martinez and Idris Elba who plays Brixton Lore aka the “Black Superman” in the film were the hosts of the evening.
Before guests were thrown into the action-packed ride that is the spinoff from the billion-dollar Fast & Furious film franchise, Elba came out to share a few words. In the brief Q&A with Martinez, Elba jokingly spoke on doing on his own stunts stating, “Dwayne and Jason did not do their own stunts.”
Elba also revealed he is a massive fan of the franchise because of his love of cars, driving, speed, and action. The actor further added that he was excited to be a part of the film because of its director David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2). Elba was attracted to Leitch’s penchant for making superb action-based films being that he was a former stuntman.
When speaking on his on-set chemistry with the film’s star, The Rock or as he refers to him DJ, Elba had nothing but glowing words to say.
“Dwayne is a consummate pro. There is a reason why he’s probably one of the biggest movie stars in the world right now cause he works really hard, is nice to people, and good at what he does. I was really intrigued by that.”
When Angie asked about Elba what we needed to know about playing the films main antagonist Brixton Lore, he described the experience without spoiling it for viewers. He went on to explain how he got the film’s writer to change the characters name from Bricks to Brixton because it’s a more “rude boy” name.
“So everyone one talks about James Bond, right? But the reason people talk about James Bond because he is an icon, it’s an iconic name. I wanted a character that has an iconic name. I’ve played a couple, Stringer Bell, iconic name, Nelson Mandela, iconic name, John Luther, you get the drift here. Brixton Lore for me just feels like that, I just felt like I want to be able to say I’m gonna go watch Brixton Lore.”
Idris and Angie weren’t the only notables in the building, of course. Comedian Shiggy, actress Javicia Leslie (God Friended Me), Scottie Beam (Black Girl Podcast), Jeremy Ray Taylor (IT) and more were on hand to get an exclusive sneak peek at the film.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw punches its way into theaters August 2. Trust us when we tell you to head to the theaters as soon as possible when it drops. To see photos from the night hit the gallery below.
Photos: Johnny Nunez / Getty Images for Universal
