HBO has always been exceptional in crafting compelling content, particularly through its television shows that have been hailed as revolutionary. Among its crown jewels is the critically acclaimed series helmed by Idris Elba called The Wire, known for skilfully illuminating the intricate inner workings of a dynamic and fast-paced America. The resounding success of this show became unmistakably evident, and its impact reached new heights when it earned the distinguished recognition of becoming a featured course at one of the esteemed Ivy League institutions, Harvard.
A number of compelling reasons entice audiences to indulge in this remarkable show, and among them, the paramount factor that tops almost everyone’s list is the captivating presence of Idris Elba. Thus, it is intriguing to learn that fate played a role behind the scenes, as a bet led to him securing the role.
How Did Idris Elba Land His Role in The Wire?
Despite Idris Elba‘s soaring success in the industry today, he remains deeply connected to his humble beginnings. His portrayal of the intriguing crime lord, Stringer Bell, in The Wire, proved to be the opportunity that propelled him to his current stature, and he will forever hold a profound sense of gratitude towards both the show and its creator and producer, David Simon. As little did he know that a bet behind the scenes would ultimately lead to a life-altering event, shaping the trajectory of his entire career. In an interview with The Guardian, the actor revealed,
“David Simon had no clue [where I was from] until the last audition. At the last audition, the producer asked me: ‘Where are you really from?’ I said: ‘East London’ and the room erupted. David lost the bet. And he said: ‘OK, I’m gonna give you the job because you had me fooled.’”
Undoubtedly, the Marvel star’s origins in London are widely acknowledged now, but it was not back then. His impressive American accent deceived everyone present in the audition room until the very end. As a result, David Simon’s initial bet, which questioned Elba’s ability to convincingly portray the character and favored only American actors for the role, was ultimately proven incorrect. The actor revealed speaking in an American accent the whole time he spent there proved to be very beneficial.
Why is The Wire Being Taught at The Harvard?
During a panel discussion held at the prestigious Harvard University in 2009, which included several of the show’s stars, the announcement was made public. As reported by The Crimson, the Ivy League school would introduce a class centered around The Wire, and the course will be led by William J. Wilson, a highly respected figure in African American history studies. According to the school’s official site,
“In our course on urban inequality at Harvard this semester, we want our students to understand the roots of the social conditions in America’s inner cities.”
While the decision to incorporate the series into the curriculum at Harvard University garnered attention, it appears that the show had already been part of the academic offerings at Duke University and Middlebury College long before Harvard followed suit. All in all, The Wire continues to be an accurate portrayal of the giant machine that is America and is therefore cherished by the audience still.
Source: The Guardian
