WARNING – Spoilers ahead for Avengers: Infinity War.
The 45-year-old played Heimdall in Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Thor: Ragnarok before also appearing in Infinity War.
However he was among the first to meet a sticky end; being murdered by Thanos in the film’s opening minutes.
Taking to Twitter, he posted a photo of the character along with the caption: “#SpoilerAlert Gonna miss my guy…Heimdall…”
It had only been last year when Elba spoke about wanting a bigger role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, although presumably at that point he already knew his ultimate fate.
“It’s been great, but I kinda think I need a bit more,” he told Entertainment Weekly.
“I want to be a superhero. I like the idea of that.”
Interestingly, he had said it was only with 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok that he had started to enjoy the role; thanks mainly to the approach of director Taika Waititi.
“I like that I have a little part in Thor. I’m neither movie star or day player,” he mused.
“It allows me to do other things I love.
“The last one [Ragnarok] was fun. The others weren’t fun. They’re work.
“But on this one, Taika [Waititi, the director] was great.”
Avengers: Infinity War has had the second-biggest second weekend of all time at the US box office, logging a huge $ 111.6 million.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is slightly ahead; having made $ 149 million in its second frame back in 2015.
Variety notes that only five movies have ever topped $ 100 million in their second weekends in the USA.
Avengers: Infinity War is out now.