I must say that the fact that we’ve been treated to 3 different posters but not a single clip, or a trailer for the film, is curious. And this is the very first poster of the 3 which gives us the clearest look at star Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela.

This is all being very carefully orchestrated, obviously with reason.

Although it all does make me a bit nervous, especially given that I’ve been concerned about Elba playing Mandela all along. He’s a good actor, don’t get me wrong; and I’m not suggesting that he had to resemble Mandela exactly. I’ve just had difficulty picturing him (as well as hearing him as Mandela) in the role, and have wondered if there was a more suitable actor for the part. But I’m certainly willing to be convinced otherwise, and I think the film’s first trailer, whenever it’s released, will tell me plenty.

I suppose the producers may have taken some creative liberties with the story, and aren’t necessarily making a “Nelson Mandela film,” but instead, a film that captures the substance/essence of Mandela, and the universality of his coming-of-age/coming-into-his-own struggles.

We’ll certainly see.

In the meantime, here’s poster number 3 for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Idris Elba’s Nelson Mandela biopic, directed by Justin Chadwick, which highlights Mandela’s early life, education and 27 years in prison. 

The Weinstein Company will open it on November 29 – likely one of its Oscar contenders. 

The first trailer was unveiled at Cannes last month, and I expect it to show up online soon. We hope.

It’s a film that we’ve seen absolutely nothing of (except for these 3 posters), since it’s all been kept under-wraps.

Naomie Harris co-stars as Winnie Mandela in a film that producers have said will have an “epic sweep,” from a script written by Gladiator, Shadowlands and Les Miserables writer, William Nicholson.

South African stars Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz and Terry Pheto, round out the cast.

Here’s the newly-released 3rd poster, (via THR). You’ll find the first two underneath):