The Sexiest Man Alive plays the world’s most twisted detective

7 November 2018

The Sexiest Man Alive plays the world’s most twisted detective

There’s not much that Idris Elba can’t do. He’s an actor, a musician, a DJ, a producer and now People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2018 – and he does it all with unashamed modesty that drags you into his nonchalant, charming persona.

But when it comes to his work, Idris is all business, all the time… which adds depth to his dark, brooding, twisted and damaged character DCI John Luther in crime thriller Luther (2010-current, Seasons 1-3 and Season 5 can be streamed on Showmax).

Luther is on Showmax

Image: BBC

Like his character, Idris can’t say no, despite how taxing the role is.

Luther goes back, he can’t stay away for too long. Ultimately as a protector, he wants to fix what he can see other people won’t be able to,” explains the London-born Idris.

Unlike most series that have a new season every year, Luther averages two years between instalments, with Season 4 being broadcast in 2015 and script work only beginning on Season 5 now. “He goes back [to London at the start of season 4] because being away is very challenging for him, very taxing.”

So what goes into making a character like John Luther? It’s not as simple as saying “he can do this, he can do that and arrest the bad guys”. Here are the crucial elements that maketh the man.

Luther s4 showmax

Image: BBC

Watch now »

Broken background

The character is dark. He has a lot of demons. You do end up taking some of that home with you. That isn’t necessarily fun,” says Idris.

Luther isn’t a dedicated detective, he’s obsessively involved. When he works on a case, he dives in 100%, whether it’s hunting a thief or a psychopath killer and that doesn’t take its toll, adds the actor… at first.

Luther, he’s not a fragile man, but he might end up becoming fragile after what he goes through.”

Under pressure

What would a great detective be without a nemesis? And in Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson, Alison in drama series The Affair, 2014-current), Luther might’ve met his match.

She’s a brilliant serial killer who toys with Luther, wrapping him around her finger in Seasons 1 through 3.

Alice is so much fun to play,” says Ruth. “She’s crazy and mad – I find her really funny but other people don’t. She has no conscience and that pushes Luther to places he does not want to be.”

Looking good

You could dress Idris in a potato sack and he’d still look like a god chiselled out of ebony.

Luckily for his character, the wardrobe team have given Luther stylish threads, but that in itself is a character, says Idris: “When he puts his coat on, it definitely feels good. That’s when you’re reimprinting the DNA of the show. When he slips that on, he’s ready to go to the ends of the Earth to solve his crime. That adds to his walk, his stride that he takes to get to the bullpen [crime scene]. He’s back. Back in the mood to work, back in the mood to solve crimes – even though it’s going to get heavy.”

Salvation

Swapping the city life for a remote house on a cliff at the end of Season 3 is more than just getting away from the rat race.

Given that he was on the edge of a cliff [literally and figuratively] and living a secluded life, it felt pretty good and natural,” explains Idris. “He’s gone through a lot of trauma, each time you go through anything bad in your life, it makes you a bit more reflective and it definitely scars you in some way. This series, he’s looking for peace. He’s very much in love with a woman he meets and is in a different kind of relationship. This series is very much about Luther trying to get to the finish line and trying to change his life.”

PS: If Idris ever plays British super spy James Bond (there have been rumours for years already), Ruth Wilson has already volunteered to play his nemesis.

Start watching now »

Original African stories by local talent

Empini S2 on Showmax

Empini S1

Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 lands on 4 March 2025.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Spitch Nzawumbi hosts Unfollowed S2

Unfollowed S1-2

Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Adulting S3 on Showmax

Adulting S1-3

Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. S3 is now streaming, with new episodes landing every Saturday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad on Showmax

The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad

The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad introduces a bold cast of Afrikaans women who are redefining the art of parenting. Stream from 14 March on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
What Will People Say S2 on Showmax

What Will People Say? Ghana

This reality series puts love in the spotlight as hopeful romantics step into the dating arena, guided by charismatic host Sika Osei. New episodes land on Fridays.

Original
/images/gh.svgMade in Ghana
Take Me Home S2 on Showmax

Take Me Home S2

Take Me Home is a Kenyan reality series that follows the lives of three young couples on the brink of breaking up as they confront their pasts. Premieres 31 January 2025.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Under the Influence on Showmax

Under the Influence

Under the Influence follows Dami, a fresh university graduate whose life takes an unexpected turn after an argument with his brother. Stream now, with new episodes released every Friday.

Original
/images/ng.svgMade in Nigeria
Reënboogrant on Showmax

Reënboogrant

Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Stream the final season of Adulting
The Mommy Club S3, coming soon