Idris Elba will play Nelson Mandela in the upcoming biopic ‘Long Walk to Freedom,” set for a November release.

Already generating Oscar buzz, the film may be made even more powerful considering Mandela’s ailing health.

According to Elba, the role was an inspiring and rewarding experience, to say the least.

From the Grio:

“He’s hard to forget,” Elba said. “I think what is most important are some of his life lessons and the things he fought for such as equality and the betterment for men who might have nothing. He wanted everyone to have equal rights and he made great sacrifices for that.”

The film, which will be released on November 27th, has already begun generating Oscar buzz. Meanwhile, Elba explained that playing Mandela has taught him a few life lessons of his own.

“Mandela spent 27 years in jail to fight for a nation of people and I learned a lot about sacrifice in that sense,” he said.

Read more at the Grio

Elba is also starring in “Pacific Rim,” which hits theaters this Friday.

Thoughts on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela?

Will you see “Long Walk to Freedom”? Is Idris Elba a good choice for the starring role?

Sound off below!