Idris Elba musical debut was highly anticipated, combining his love of acting and music, but his first foray into musicals, playing Macavity in Tom Hooper’s film Cats, turned out to be a disappointment both for the actor and audiences when it released near the end of 2019. The film’s reception marked a dramatic turn for Elba, who joined a star-studded cast only to find the project overshadowed by criticism and controversy over its execution.
Idris Elba’s Passion for Both Music and Acting
Having made his name on hits such as The Wire and countless film roles, Idris Elba sought to fuse his parallel passion for music—a field he’d long been involved with alongside his acting career. Elba’s musical journey included collaborations with artists like Jay-Z, Skepta, Wiley, and even a feature with Taylor Swift on her song “London Boy.” He has also produced his own music, releasing EPs, singles, and an album inspired by his renowned character from the detective show Luther. His versatility and commitment to both crafts made his entry into musicals almost inevitable.
Idris Elba’s Musical Ambitions Revealed
During a 2014 interview with the Evening Standard, Elba openly discussed his ambitions to bridge acting and music through a musical role, becoming candid about his hopes for a new creative challenge.
“In future, I want to do a musical,”
Idris Elba said, revealing his eagerness to step outside his comfort zone and blend his artistic talents.
“I want to do things that challenge me. I’ve got a keen eye on music and would like to do something that marries my world of acting and music. I am not sure if I can sing very well, but I will be good, I promise! I will be captivating.”
– Idris Elba, Actor
Landing a Spot in ‘Cats’
Elba eventually achieved his ambition by taking part in Tom Hooper’s adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, released shortly before the global pandemic changed the entertainment landscape. The director, known for Les Misérables, gathered a high-profile cast for the film—including Idris Elba, Taylor Swift, and James Corden—to portray CGI-enhanced feline characters. Elba played the notorious Macavity, one of the central roles, and was even given a solo musical number within the film.
‘Cats’ Receives Widespread Criticism
The release of Cats generated a strong reaction for its unusual blend of big names, complex special effects, and what many considered a baffling creative direction. Audiences and critics quickly focused less on Elba’s musical performance and more on the film’s widely panned visuals and overall lack of coherence. The plot, based on the famously arcane Andrew Lloyd Webber original, left many viewers confused, while the criticized CGI effects only added to the backlash. Despite the presence of talents such as Taylor Swift and James Corden, the film struggled to connect, and director Tom Hooper has not directed another feature since the debacle.
The Fallout for Elba’s Career
The disappointment felt by viewers appeared to be mirrored by Elba himself. Since the release of Cats, Idris Elba has not returned to musicals and has refocused on his more conventional roles in drama and action films. Among his upcoming projects, he is set to lend his voice to High in the Sky, an animated adaptation of a children’s book by Paul McCartney, a move that marks a step away from his previous attempt at combining acting and music in a live-action setting.
The Legacy of Elba’s Musical Debut
While Idris Elba’s musical debut in Cats did not reach the heights he had envisioned, it still marked a notable moment in his career—he can say he played one of musical theater’s most recognized characters, Macavity. Although the experience was far from the dream he described years earlier, Elba’s willingness to take creative risks remains evident. As he continues with upcoming projects and returns to familiar genres, the memory of Cats stands as a reminder of how unpredictable creative ventures can be, even for a multifaceted talent like Idris Elba.
