Idris Elba becomes 1st solo male ever to cover ‘Maxim’

Maxim/Robbie Fimmano
Maxim/Robbie Fimmano

Idris Elba becomes the first solo male ever to cover Maxim magazine! It appears that the mag, known for featuring scantily clad women on its covers, has decided to go a different route and we’re not mad at them. On the cover of the September issue, the British hunk smolders in a dark wool coat with the title “Man Up” appropriately plastered beside him.


“We’ve never in US Maxim history had a man on the cover solo,” new editor-in-chief Kate Lanphear told Racked. “This is the very first time, and there was no one else in the world more badass than Idris.


“For me, he was really the perfect embodiment of what I think the new Maxim man is. He’s multi-dimensional, he’s complex, he’s sophisticated, but he’s down to earth. It was funny when on set, I was like, ‘Is there anything this guy can’t do?’ He’s an award-winning actor, he’s a DJ, his capsule clothing line for Superdry is about to hit stores. The guy broke the [British] land speed record which hasn’t been touched since like 1928. He’s sort of a living, breathing superhero.”

We couldn’t agree more… Last week, the Avengers star made headlines when news broke that he will be boarding the Enterprise as an official cast member of Star Trek Beyond. Elba’s year is clearly just beginning to heat up and we can’t wait to see what else is in store for the 42-year-old actor. In the meantime, the below photos should hold you over. Enjoy!


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