Idris Elba brings the fight to Discovery

Actor and producer Idris Elba is producing and starring in a three-part series for Discovery Networks International in which he will train to become a professional kickboxer.

Idris Elba: Fighter will see the Luther star ultimately competing against a seasoned brawler in a no-holds-barred bout. It will shot on location in Britain, Cuba, Japan, South Africa and Thailand.

The 3x60mins series comes from Shine North and Elba’s prodco, Green Door Pictures, whom have worked together before on Mandela, My Dad and Me, which played on Discovery Channel in the UK.

DNI will play Idris Elba: Fighter on factual channels in more than 220 territories, including the US and the UK, in 2017.

Elba’s documentaries have sought to show his human side, rather than the celebrity face known globally. Fighter will continue this trend, as he undergoes “the most physically and mentally demanding experience of his career”.

“It has been a lifelong ambition of mine to fight professionally,” said Elba. “Entering the ring to further test myself as a human being is a challenge I have been looking to take on for quite some time.”

Marjorie Kaplan, president of content, DNI, said: “This raw yet intimate series will show a side of Idris that viewers and fans won’t get from his spectacular film work.

“From East London to the Far East and the Caribbean, he’ll explore strength, stamina and spirituality through a range of martial arts and their fascinating histories. We’re absolutely thrilled that Idris has chosen Discovery to tell his story and journey in the right way.”

Discovery also aired Elba’s high-adrenaline racing series, No Limits.