Idris Elba reveals his daughter auditioned for his new movie but didn’t get the part

This week, Idris Elba sat down at The Breakfast Club to talk about his new Will Packer-produced film, Beast. The film revolves around Elba’s character and his two daughters who are “hunted by a formidable rogue lion intent on proving that there is only one apex predator on the savannah.”

As talk of the film continued, Elba revealed that his 20-year-old daughter Isan Elba auditioned for his new film hoping to play one of his daughters but didn’t get the part.

While Elba admitted his daughter’s audition was great, he noted that the chemistry they actually have “wasn’t right for the movie” compared to the chemistry needed in the movie.

“The relationship in the film and the relationship between my daughter was, the chemistry wasn’t right for the film. Oddly enough,” said Elba.

Being passed over for the role strained Isan and Idris’ relationship for a few weeks; The British star confessed to his daughter that she “didn’t speak to me for about three weeks” after she received a call from Packer confirming she hadn’t landed the part.

“I called her and spoke to her because I’ve known her for a very long time, you know what I mean,” Packer said. “I’m like ‘Uncle Will.’ It’s like my little niece, you know, and she’s amazing.”

Packer also explained the audition Isan went through with her father.

“He (Idris) auditioned her, he was very hard on her, he said, ‘Listen, at the end of the day we’re going to make the best decision for the film. I trust you Will, trust the director, and she was very good, very close,” Packer said.

Although Isan didn’t get her desired role this time, Elba made sure to comment on how lovely she was to the overall experience, explaining how proud he was of his daughter for going through the intimidating process.

“She was very gracious and we got through that, you know, and I’m really proud of her for going through that, not getting the part, but still getting to the premiere,” Elba said.

Isan may not have been in the film, but Will Packer assured everyone in the room that Isan Elba’s time is coming soon.

“You will definitely see them,” he said confidently when Elba nodded in agreement.

Packer and Elba’s new film, Beast, is slated for release on August 19th.