“It was a big surprise for me to be asked, andTaika [Waititi]and Chris [Hemsworth] are like my brothers, really in the film industry and in life. So it was a joy to be there,” the actor, 49, told PEOPLE.
The opportunity came while he was filmingGeorge Miller’sThree Thousand Years of Longing(in theaters now) in Australia, whereLove and Thunderwas coincidentally also shooting.
“So I got to hang out with my friends,” said Elba, who included hisLongingco-star and director, respectively: “I got to introduce my brothers to my sister (Tilda Swinton) in the sphere of both films and George was there and it was like all my best friends, all in one room.”
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Idris Elba inThor: Ragnarok(2017).Walt Disney Studios
Fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe star Swinton, 61, remembers the day clearly too, telling PEOPLE, “It was wonderful, but there was an added, extra delicious point to my connection with Taika, because my sweetheart [visual artist Sandro Kopp] used to share a flat with Taika in New Zealand.”
It was an auspicious residence, she noted. “It’s the flat on whichWhat We Do in the Shadowsis based. So I’ve known [Waititi] for even longer — I know all the stories,” the actress added. “And I know how much of that is not made up. So he was already a brother from even further back.”
The connection made for a fun reunion. “So to meet and our first day when we got out of lockdown, we had lunch with Taika. And then we went to Chris' house. What a village people we were! That was the funnest day,” Swinton says.
Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty
“When you meet someone and you become a close long friend instantly, it’s pretty magical,” says Swinton. “And I really feel this about Idris. He really feels like a brother.”
Three Thousand Years of Longingis in theaters now, whileThor: Love & Thunderis available to stream Sept. 8 on Disney+.
For more from Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton, pick up the latest issue ofPEOPLE, on newsstands now.
source: people.com
