The film adaptation of the BBC’s popular crime drama, Luther, will be directed by Jamie Payne, who also directed the show’s fifth season. Luther was created by Neil Cross and ran for 5 seasons from 2010 to 2019. Idris Elba stars in the titular role of Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, a part for which he's won multiple awards, including a Golden Globe. There has long been talk of a Luther film, with Elba as a vocal supporter.
Now, Collider confirms that Payne has been brought on to direct the upcoming Luther film for Netflix and the BBC. The news of the film's move to Netflix was first reported by Giant Freakin Robot. Payne directed all four episodes of Luther’s season 5, and his other previous directing credits include Doctor Who, Outlander, and The White Princess.
According to Elba, the Luther movie will begin filming as early as September. Further details about the plot and how the film may tie into the TV series remain unknown. Also unknown is whether the film will address recent criticisms from the BBC’s Diversity Chief Miranda Wayland, who stated that she did not feel the original series was authentically diverse.
Luther follows DCI John Luther (Elba), a tough and highly capable British cop in the Serious Crime Unit who blurs the boundaries between his job and his personal life. In addition to Elba, Luther features an impressive array of British talent including Dermot Crowley, Indira Varma, Stephen Mackintosh, and Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan.
Source: Collider, Giant Freakin Robot