The first footage of actor Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela can be seen in a newly released teaser trailer for Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.
The clip gives only a distant glimpse of Elba’s Mandela with a group of young children walking up a hill. Elba is heard in a voiceover, saying, “I have walked a long walk to freedom. It has been a long road, and it’s not over yet.”
Directed by Justin Chadwick, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom chronicles the life of Nelson Mandela from childhood in a rural village, his 27 years in prison and his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.
At 94 years of age, Mandela is currently hospitalized in critical condition, but reportedly responding to treatment.
The Weinstein Company will distribute the film, which was penned by Gladiator and Les Miserables writer, William Nicholson.
Aside from Elba, the film stars Naomie Harris as Winnie Mandela, and South African stars Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz and Terry Pheto.
Check out the newly released Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom trailer below.
