Exclusive: Idris Elba Dishes on High-Flying Thrills, Filming Mid-Air & Iconic Character Inspirations

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Follow the course of a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London as a passenger plane is hijacked. Sam Nelson, a skilled corporate negotiator, offers his expertise to bring a peaceful resolution to the hijacking and uncover the truth behind the incident. While authorities struggle to find answers on the ground, Sam and the other passengers must fight to survive long enough to regain control of the plane from the hijackers and reunite with their loved ones.

Hijack is a creation by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, featuring Idris Elba in the lead role and serving as executive producer. The talented cast also includes Archie Panjabi, Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Eve Myles, Neil Maskell, Kate Phillips, and Jasper Britton.

Idris Elba on Hijack

Screen Rant: I loved Hijack! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Idris Elba: I love that. Did you have your seatbelt on, though? That's the most important thing.

What did you want to bring to the character of Sam Nelson that wasn't necessarily on the page?

Idris Elba: Vulnerability, vulnerability. On the page, it was portrayed as this intelligent guy, but desperate. He plans to manipulate people in the wrong way, using his skills, but with the hope of achieving the right outcome. I wanted to present to fans a scared hero. This is a man who is actually ill-suited for this role and surprises himself. I believe his failures, both as a father and a husband, are greatly magnified in his journey here. I wanted the audience to perceive that he sacrifices a part of himself, his selfishness, in order to be selfless and save the situation. Did I effectively convey this to you?

Yes, definitely. I was highly impressed with your performance, especially because, considering the circumstances he's facing, you had to deliver a nuanced performance. He is trying to keep everything hidden and it must have been challenging to balance between performing in a grand manner and in a subtle manner at the same time.

Idris Elba: The biggest challenge I faced was maintaining continuity throughout the filming process. It was crucial to understand the emotional journey of my character from one scene to another, considering what had been said and the overall situation. Despite the relatively long six-hour flight, we shot the series over a period of five months. Initially, I started off with a solid foundation, purposefully moving towards the desired direction. However, by the end, I was left feeling completely drained and hollow. This relentless experience took a toll on me, making continuity the most difficult aspect.

I must say, you handled it flawlessly. Your portrayal was commendable. Another aspect of the show that I particularly enjoyed was the intense close-quarter combat during the fight scenes on the plane. I'm curious about the training process and how the filming was executed to achieve such impactful scenes.

Idris Elba: Yeah, it was strange how we didn't over-rehearse it. The limited space of a real plane with its crew imposed natural constraints on us. We didn't remove any walls or anything; we just tried to position ourselves in angles that allowed movement. It was well planned and coordinated, but not excessively choreographed. The directors encouraged us to embrace the moment and respond naturally, bringing our own instincts to the fights. So what you witnessed was this unconventional, intense battle of humans, showcasing their potential actions rather than perfectly executed punches and kicks.

Wow, it's hard to believe you actually filmed that in a real plane. That's crazy! That's so impressive. While creating Sam Nelson, did you draw inspiration from any other characters in media or perhaps previous roles you've played?

Idris Elba: Stringer Bell was a character that stimulated deep thinking and encouraged people to see things from different perspectives. He was one of the most intellectually challenging roles I've ever played. On the other hand, John Luthor is a character who is all about taking action and getting things done. I had to consciously separate myself from John and lean towards Stringer. Maybe a hint of Turnip Charlie, who also has a love for music.

What attracted you to Hijack, both as an actor and a producer?

Idris Elba aimed to create a binge-worthy and relatable production. He wanted to capture the essence of the common experience of being on a flight and provoke thought on what individuals would do in such situations. Additionally, he desired the show to be a topic of conversation that people could discuss around the water cooler. As an actor, Elba wanted to portray a vulnerable character who goes beyond physical strength and exposes his true self to achieve the best possible outcome. He was unafraid to admit his fears. Elba's goal was achieved, as the viewer confirms by stating that they watched the entire show in a day.

Idris Elba: Good job! Binging! Love it.

What's something you learn from your experience on Hijack that you hope to take into future projects?

Idris Elba: The directing team on this project were remarkable in problem-solving, considering that we filmed on an actual plane with limited space. Therefore, it was crucial to embrace innovation, efficiency, and patience. As an aspiring director, I gained invaluable insights into the qualities required to deliver exceptional work. Patience is imperative when faced with restricted shooting conditions, forcing you to think creatively about alternative methods. Overall, I acquired a wealth of knowledge and developed a deep admiration for the entire team.

About Hijack

In the face of a hijacked plane en route from Dubai to London, Sam Nelson, an adept business negotiator, steps forward to navigate an escape plan. With authorities tirelessly seeking solutions on the ground during the seven-hour flight, Sam and the fellow passengers dauntlessly strive to survive and reclaim control of the aircraft.

The first 2 episodes of Hijack are available on Apple+ now.