Luther – played by Idris Elba – may look to be in rough shape in the first look teaser hyping the fifth series of the iconic BBC cop drama, but we’re certainly glad to see him.
“This will hurt,” the trailer promises as a wheezing Luther hobbles down a dark corridor to reveal a pained expression.
This does not bode well for Luther’s fortunes in the new four-part series. But would we really be as interested in watching the troubled detective if he had found happiness? Not a chance.
Idris, 45, tweeted how pleased he was to be reprising the gritty role as he began shooting new episodes earlier this year. The previous series – the fourth – aired in December 2015.
“It’s good to be back in London, back in the coat!” he said. And fans certainly agree – even though the release date for the fifth series has not yet been confirmed.
Read more: BBC releases SUPER exciting news about Luther
Although it may not be 100% clear when Luther will be returning to TV screens, the release of the teaser seems to suggest production is moving along nicely.
Here’s a little bit more background info about the show to keep you going until the fifth series debuts…
What do we know about the fifth series of Luther?
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First and foremost, we don’t exactly when the fifth series will be on TV.
But we do know BAFTA-winning actress Wunmi Mosaku will play new colleague DS Catherine Halliday. Actors Dermot Crowley (DSU Martin Schenk), Michael Smiley (Benny Silver) and Patrick Malahide (George Cornelius) will also all return to their roles.
There is also a hint of a comeback for a familiar friend in genius psychopath Alice Morgan (played by Ruth Wilson), last seen in the finale of the third series.
“It’s classic Luther,” Idris told the Radio Times.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel.”
He added: “There is a lot of excitement about the characters that are in this one.”
As if fans’ expectations weren’t already sky high, show bosses have promised the fifth instalment of Luther will be the most compelling yet.
Creator Neil Cross said: “We missed John Luther. We missed some old friends.
“And we wanted to make the biggest, scariest, darkest, most thrilling series of Luther there’s ever been.
“So that’s what we’ve come back to do.”
BBC drama controller Piers Wenger added: “Neil Cross’ scripts for this fifth series of Luther are explosive and fans won’t be disappointed.”
What is the latest about a film?
Chatter about a film adaptation has flowed back and forth since the first series in 2010, with a script apparently ready to go several years ago.
Cross also suggested production for a Luther movie could begin after the third series concluded, said to have been planned to be the final run on TV. A later confirmation there would not be a fourth series was obviously reconsidered.
However, despite the about-turns regarding the future of Luther on TV, it has all gone a bit quiet on the film front. Idris remains up for it, though.
“It’s very much in our minds, the film,” he told the Radio Times.
“I think it could be an amazing series of films.”
Hinting the script mentioned previously may have changeed, Idris continued: “It’s taken on some different legs, but it definitely feels like it would be magnified more.
“[We looked forward to] open[ing] Luther in terms of what he can do, on a film scale.”
Keep all of your fingers crossed.
Where else have you seen the cast?
The main man’s breakthrough role was unquestionably as drug kingpin Stringer Bell in US series The Wire. He has also starred on the big screen in in the title role for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. He has also enjoyed success as recurring character Heimdall in blockbusters Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor: Ragarnok and Avengers: Infinity War. Idris even made some early career TV appearances in 2point4 Children, Family Affairs and Absolutely Fabulous.
Ruth Wilson played killer Alice Morgan, but is also known for her TV roles as Jane Eyre and Alison Bailey in The Affair.
DS Emma Lane was played by Rose Leslie, who has also been seen on TV as housemaid Gwen in Downton Abbey and Ygritte in Game of Thrones. She will not return for series 5 of Luther according to reports.
Warren Brown is immediately recognisable as DS Justin Ripley in Luther, but the former pro Thai boxer has also had memorable parts in Hollyoaks, Shameless and Moving On.
There is a 12 minute recap of the first three series of Luther for you to jog your viewing memory below. But be warned, the clip does contain some violence and upsetting scenes.
And finally, enjoy this Comic Relief sketch showing a lighter side to Luther from 2016. It also features the likes of Lenny Henry, Rio Ferdinand, David Haye, Denise Lewis, Ruth Wilson and Ian Wright.
Are you a Luther fan? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know why you love the brooding cop!