VIDEO: Idris Elba 'Wants to Do More' After Portraying Nelson Mandela

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Idris Elba, who recently received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, stopped by this morning's TODAY on NBC to talk about the film. The actor shared that portraying the late, iconic South African leader made him "want to do more" and serve as a beacon for people who don't have a voice. Watch the appearance below!

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, which follows Nelson Mandela's life is based on his autobiography of the same title and was directed by Justin Chadwick.

The film was shot in South Africa, started principal photography at the end of May 2012 in KwaZulu-Natal and went on to shoot for 16 weeks at authentic locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Mandela's home province, the Eastern Cape with the shoot ending in mid-September 2012.

Golden Globe winner Idris Elba (LUTHER, THE WIRE, PROMETHEUS, PACIFIC RIM) plays Mandela and Naomie Harris (SKYFALL) his wife, Winnie. MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM also features the finest of South Africa's acting talent among whom are Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz and Terry Pheto.

To post a comment, you must register and login.