Idris Elba was ‘not happy’ when Stringer Bell was written out of The Wire

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Wire creator David Simon has claimed that Idris Elba “was not happy” when he learned he was being written out of the series. Elba played meticulous druglord Stringer Bell on the hugely acclaimed HBO series, but his character did not feature in the final two seasons of the show. You’re going to do fine.’” Elsewhere in the interview, Simon also reflected on the lack of oppurtunities for Black actors on TV back when the series debuted in 2002. Idris Elba as Stringer Bell in ‘The Wire' “There just wasn’t enough content being generated,” Simon said.