Idris Elba was rushed to hospital after he suffered an asthma attack on an airplane headed for South Africa.

The British actor, who stars in 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,' was scheduled to fly to Johannesburg for a press conference, suffered the attack before the plane was able to take off.

Elba was rushed to hospital from London's Heathrow airport and is now reportedly recovering well and producer, Anant Singh, hopes he will be healthy enough to attend a red carpet appearance on Sunday.

He told reporters at a news conference, "Idris is in hospital after an asthma attack on the plane last night."

The 41 year-old stars as Nelson Mandela, alongside fellow Brit, Naomie Harris, who recently appeared in James Bond's 'Skyfall', playing Mandela's now ex-wife, Winnie.

Elba was recently interviewed by Express UK at the beginning of October about the pressure of playing such an iconic figure. The 'Luther' star states that he wouldn't mind if he never worked again if the biopic is a failure.

"People are going to judge me for this role. I don't look like Mandela, some say I don't deserve it. Whatever," he said. "For me, it's important I am who I am, as I present this piece to the world. I'm 40 and I've had a great career. I'm alright to be myself at this point."

Elba added, "Look, if I never work again, I don't care. I did my bit, you know?"

Thankfully Elba is recovering well and will be able to attend events in the near future to promote the upcoming movie.

'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' will hit theatres on November 29th 2013.

Watch the 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' trailer here