Madame Tussauds London has unveiled a brand-new wax figure of Idris Elba OBE, celebrating the award-winning actor, activist and musician as the latest local icon to join its world-famous lineup. The BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner — who also holds an Emmy nomination — now stands among Hollywood’s elite in the attraction’s iconic Awards Party zone from 19 December.
Behind-the-scenes footage released by Madame Tussauds captures the proud Londoner’s reaction as he comes face-to-face with his first-ever figure, following months of close collaboration with the attraction’s expert artists. The moment marks a full-circle achievement for Elba, who grew up on the Holly Street Estate in Hackney, East London, before rising to global stardom.
A look rooted in purpose and pride
The figure is dressed in a striking, red-carpet-ready ensemble first worn by Elba in July 2024, when he met King Charles III at an event focused on tackling youth violent crime — a cause close to his heart. During the meeting, Elba and the King discussed the work of The King’s Trust and the Elba Hope Foundation, both of which support and empower young people across the UK.
The monochrome blue Eve of Winston suit was designed by Elba himself, with a bespoke long-sleeved version created exclusively for the Madame Tussauds figure. Completing the look are patent Christian Louboutin dress shoes, donated personally by the star for the display.
“A full circle moment”
Speaking about the unveiling, Idris Elba said:
“It’s truly an honour to be recognised in this way and even more special to know this other version of me will be standing tall in London. So, even when I’m away, a part of me is always at home.
The process has been fascinating. It’s not dissimilar to prepping for a movie role — working with talented artists to flesh out the character, getting the costume just right — but this time it’s for me. It’s really surreal to see another version of me standing in Madame Tussauds London. It feels like a full circle moment.”
From Hackney to Hollywood
An alumnus of London’s National Youth Music Theatre, Elba first rose to international fame as Stringer Bell in The Wire. Over the past two decades, he has built a formidable career across film, television and music, including a Golden Globe-winning performance in Luther, acclaimed roles in Beasts of No Nation and The House of Dynamite, and blockbuster appearances in Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, The Suicide Squad and Zootopia 2, which recently surpassed $1 billion at the global box office.
He will next be seen in January, reprising his Emmy-nominated role as Sam Nelson in season two of Apple TV+’s hit thriller Hijack.
Off-screen, Elba remains deeply committed to activism and community work. A BAFTA Special Award recipient and double MOBO honouree, he continues to champion projects in Hackney, promote African arts and enterprise, and lead the UK anti-knife crime campaign ‘Don’t Stop Your Future’.
A London icon honoured at home
Steve Blackburn, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said:
“Idris is a Londoner through and through. While his extraordinary talent has taken him on a journey from Hackney to Hollywood, he has never forgotten his roots — always giving back to the city that raised him and using his voice to fight for a better future for all.
It’s a privilege to be able to create Idris’ first-ever figure right here in London, where it all began. His collaboration has been invaluable, and we’re delighted to see his reaction to the finished figure.”
Elba’s figure joins an A-list lineup including Gillian Anderson, Bella Ramsey, Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, Zendaya, Dwayne Johnson, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Lady Gaga.
For updates on Idris Elba’s figure, follow Madame Tussauds London on Instagram or visit the official Madame Tussauds London website.
