British actor Idris Elba will receive a knighthood in the United Kingdom's New Years Honours list, King Charles III announced on Monday.

Why it matters: The voice of Knuckles the Echidna in Paramount's Sonic films is being knighted for his charity work, but the honour also places the East London native among a small group of knighted actors with notable video game roles.

New Year Honours 2026: Idris Elba knighted as Sarina Wiegman and Lionesses recognised
Ice skaters Torvill and Dean, and members of the winning Lionesses and Red Roses receive gongs.
BBC News

The intrigue: Once formally invested, his credits will list him as Sir Idris Elba, making Knuckles one of the few video game characters portrayed by a real-life knight.

  • Elba has voiced the Echidna since the second Sonic film and is expected to continue in upcoming films, including Sonic the Hedgehog 4.
  • He also stars in the Knuckles spin-off series, the franchise's first live-action television project for Paramount Plus.

Between the lines: As the British Broadcasting Corporation notes, Elba's acting career includes breakthrough roles in various television programmes, like in the HBO series The Wire, along with film performances like in the Netflix drama Beasts of No Nation.

  • "I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience has driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation," Elba said, per the public broadcaster.

The big picture: The New Year Honours List, awarded by the British Crown, recognizes contributions across public life and culture.

  • Elba's knighthood highlights his work on anti-knife crime initiatives and the Elba Hope Foundation to support community organizations across the world.