Idris Elba put out a casting call… but was shut down by police

Idris Elba’s latest project is a very popular film…

At least, if you count the hundreds who turned up for its casting call.

Idris Elba released a casting call last night, for his next movie – a project set in Hackney during the 1980s. And it proved to be a particularly popular casting call, as hundreds of potential actors turned up on the streets of Hackney to get involved.

So many in fact, that the police had to shut the whole thing down.

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Whitmore Community Centre on Phillipp Street was apparently inundated with potential extras for the movie – set in 1983 in Hackney’s Afro-Caribbean community, and which is directed by Elba himself.

The 44-year-old actor-turned-director urged people over 18 to come down to the Whitmore Community Centre between 4pm and 9pm for a chance to nab a role in the movie… But the event was soon cancelled after a staggering number of hopefuls turned up.

“The response for the open casting has been unbelievable,” he said via Instagram. “Thank you so much for sharing the info and for coming down. Already I’m asked to shut it down because of the numbers. I don’t want to shut it down but it’s looking very likely. I’m just being honest with you guys.”

Thankfully, it looks as though he had a backup plan.

That’s right – there’s still a chance for Londoners to get involved, and put themselves forward for a role in Elba’s upcoming flick.

“Send a headshot of yourself and a little bit of information to info@keycasting.co.uk and we will look at everyone for my film and others,” he said.

And if you’re thinking of applying – Good luck!

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