Idris Elba Shares His Thoughts on Handling a Real-Life Hijack Situation

Idris Elba in ‘Hijack’.
Credit :

Apple TV

KEY DETAILS

• Idris Elba discusses his approach to a real-life hijacking.
• The actor praises his character, corporate negotiator Sam Nelson.
• New episodes of Hijack season 2 air on Wednesdays on Apple TV.

Idris Elba recently shared insights into his role in the Apple TV thriller Hijack, particularly reflecting on the calm demeanor exhibited by his character, Sam Nelson, during crisis situations. In an interview, Elba candidly addressed how he would fare in a real-life hijacking scenario, suggesting that Sam would be the better option for negotiation.

“I’d handle it worse probably,” Elba remarked, acknowledging Sam’s superior negotiation skills. “I’m not sure I’d think on the way he does.”

Elba elaborated on the differences between himself and his character, positing that, in a hostage situation, he would focus on connecting with captors on a personal level. “I would try and appeal to the human beings involved and try to say, ‘Hey, man, it doesn’t have to be like this,’ while Sam is more inclined to strategize against them,” he explained.

The 53-year-old actor highlighted that his own personality is generally calm under pressure, though he admitted to not possessing the same negotiation finesse as Nelson.

Idris Elba on ‘Hijack’.

Apple TV

In season 2, Sam finds himself navigating a new and perilous environment, this time on an underground train in Berlin, following his high-stakes airplane predicament in the first season. As with its predecessor, this season promises a storyline where situations are not always as they initially appear.

Elba expressed initial concerns regarding whether the show could recapture the success of its debut season. “It’s a complex show to make,” he stated. “It was really good, and people really loved it. And can we do it again? I wasn’t sure.” Despite this uncertainty, he felt a strong drive to explore how the series could evolve while maintaining elements that resonated with audiences.

Ultimately, the creative team, which includes Elba as an executive producer, successfully devised a new series of threats and circumstances for Sam in the upcoming season. Reflecting on this process, Elba remarked, “When you’ve got a good idea, it usually opens the doors for other good ideas.”

New episodes of Hijack season 2 will premiere every Wednesday on Apple TV.