**Idris Elba Explains How a Small Moment in *A House of Dynamite* Helped Him Humanize His On-Screen President**
Netflix’s *A House of Dynamite* just dropped earlier this month, and naturally, it’s already sparking debate. At its core, filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow’s near-real-time thriller tracks the tense hours between the detection of an unidentified nuclear missile and a possible strike on Chicago. The story cycles between military watch floors, the White House, and a president under crushing pressure.
The setup is straightforward—and arguably terrifying. The missile launch throws protocols and allegiances into chaos as officials race to confirm its origin and intent before time runs out.
Plot-wise, the film splits into three vantage points that converge as impact nears. In the Situation Room, staff triage incomplete intel and conflicting simulations. At Strategic Command, officers weigh interception options that may not arrive in time. Meanwhile, inside the Residence and West Wing, the president faces an impossible decision with global fallout hanging in the balance.
Bigelow leans heavily on procedure and human error to build mounting dread. The finale, which cuts to black without confirming the missile’s outcome or the president’s decision, has left some viewers debating—just as the creative team intended. This open-ended conclusion is meant to invite conversation and reflection.
### Idris Elba Brings Personal Touch to His Role as President
In *A House of Dynamite*, Idris Elba (known for *Knuckles*) leads a sharp ensemble as the president. Now that audiences have seen the film, Elba has revealed how he used a brief, unscripted scene to ground his character and add a bit of his own personality.
Speaking with Screen Rant, Elba shared,
> “[My dialogue with the kids] wasn’t scripted. It was sort of like, this is what happens. For me, it was really interesting to be able to bring, I guess, a little personality into my President, who he is. Kathryn wanted this segment of the film to be anchored on a human being. This is a President that essentially is a civil servant, working class, civil servant, got to the top job. So he’s as real as it comes. And his jump shot might’ve been messy, or it might’ve been whatever it was, but it was anchored on trying to be a real human being.”
This small, relatable moment adds depth to Elba’s portrayal, emphasizing the humanity behind the heavy political role.
If you want to join the ongoing discourse—or simply enjoy Elba and co-star Rebecca Ferguson bringing their A-game—*A House of Dynamite* is now streaming on Netflix.
https://bleedingcool.com/movies/idris-elba-on-his-portrayal-of-the-president-in-a-house-of-dynamite/
