Photo Credit: File Photo
Elba's dedication to his craft was evident as he delved deep into the psyche of the Commandant, a character fraught with complexity and darkness. "I absorb my character," Elba revealed, sharing the intense research process that shaped his performance. The toll of the role seeped into his subconscious, manifesting in haunting nightmares that blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
To cope with the weight of portraying such a malevolent character, Elba confessed to turning to weed. "I was smoking a lot of weed at that time," he admitted candidly, shedding light on the challenges of inhabiting such a deeply disturbing role.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, "Beasts of No Nation" follows Agu, a young West African boy ensnared in the brutal world of child soldiering under the Commandant's command. Elba's portrayal of the mesmerizing yet menacing leader garnered critical acclaim, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
Elba actually has a long history with good old Mary Jane. Before breaking out on The Wire, Elba had a lot of odd jobs to get by, including selling weed.
"I used to sell weed, he revealed on The Jess Cagle Show back in 2022. "I did that for a little bit just to, you know, help pay the way. I DJ'ed quite a bit. I was a doorman. I was a doorman at Carolines comedy club [in New York], which is fascinating now, when I meet the comedians that you kind of remember the English guy. Tall English guy with the funny accent and the little hair. David Chappelle remembers me 'cause he used to buy weed from me. Anyway, moving on. Yeah, I did all kinds of things to be honest, all kinds of things."
Jeff Ian
