Idris Elba, most recently seen in the film The Losers and currently filming Thor, stars as John Luther, an intellectually brilliant but emotionally impulsive murder detective. Luther is a six-part co-production between BBC and BBC America and is a psychological thriller that takes a bold new look at the crime genre. Elba is also Associate Producer on the project.
John Luther considers his profession a vocation rather than a job and it remains to be seen if he’s a force for good or a man hell bent on self-destruction. His confidante is also his arch-enemy Alice, a beautiful multiple-murderess who evades his grasp early on, and with whom he becomes locked in a lethal battle of wits.
Luther is created and written by acclaimed suspense novelist, and one of the lead writers on MI-5, Neil Cross. He says: “I’m delighted that the BBC has brought Luther to life. It’s an intense psychological thriller which examines not only human depravity but the complex nature of love … and how it’s often this – our finest attribute – that leads us into darkness.”
Elba is joined by an all-star cast: Ruth Wilson (The Prisoner) is Alice Morgan, beautiful, extraordinarily intelligent and a key witness in Luther’s first investigation; Steven Mackintosh (Criminal Justice) is Detective Chief Inspector Ian Reed and Luther’s loyal friend and work colleague; Indira Varma (Rome) is Zoe Luther, who’s had the strength to walk away from the man she still loves; Paul McGann (Withnail and I) is Mark North, unafraid to compete with Luther for Zoe’s love; Saskia Reeves (Bodies) is Detective Superintendent Rose Teller, Luther’s risk-taking boss and Warren Brown (Occupation) is Detective Sergeant Justin Ripley, Luther’s loyal, awestruck new partner.
The deal was brokered by Matt Forde, EVP BBC Worldwide Sales & Co-Productions with Chris Carr, COO, BBC Worldwide Channels and Richard De Croce, SVP Programming, BBC AMERICA.
Chris Carr says: “BBC AMERICA viewers have always loved British crime thrillers. Luther puts a whole new spin on the genre and sucks you in with its intelligent storytelling and gripping plotlines. We’re thrilled to have Idris Elba on BBC AMERICA and intend to surprise a few people by revealing that he’s British!”
