With his new flick "Thor: The Dark World" slated to hit theaters November 8th, Idris Elba scored the cover spot of British Esquire's November 2013 issue.

While rocking designer duds from Diesel and Ralph Lauren for the Simon Emmett-shot spread, the 41-year-old British actor chatted about the lack of work for actors in England and revealed how his friends and family keep him grounded.

Check out a few highlight from Mr. Elba's interview below. For more, be sure to visit British Esquire!

On coming to US for his career:
"I wanted to be on a bigger stage. In England, there's only so much work for actors, period, never mind if you're black."

On always being on the go:
"I have no base. I go from one job to another. I'm going to Barcelona next to do a film [thriller 'The Gunman' from 'District 13' director Pierre Morel] with Sean Penn. As an actor, you have to sell out where you're from because you're playing other people. That's why I DJ, because at least for one night, I'm me."

On staying grounded:
"You can't believe your own bulls***. The key to that is surrounding yourself with people that don't gas you up."