Idris Elba is back as DCI John Luther, filming a new Netflix movie in the Suffolk coastal town of Southwold. The sequel to Luther: The Fallen Sun will also feature Ruth Wilson reprising her role as Alice Morgan, alongside new cast members Stephen Dillane and Anya Chalotra.

Unexpected Coastal Setting

Idris Elba is set to reprise his iconic role as DCI John Luther, but this time the gritty detective will be trading the familiar, shadowy streets of inner-city London for the unexpectedly picturesque setting of Southwold, a charming Edwardian resort town on the Suffolk coast. This shift in locale has surprised locals, who witnessed Elba filming scenes on Southwold’s lengthy pier this week.

The Plot Thickens

The upcoming Netflix feature-length film will see Luther pulled back into service, despite his previously disgraced status, to investigate a disturbing series of brutal and seemingly random murders plaguing London. The narrative’s transition from the urban landscape of London to the tranquil seaside town of Southwold remains a mystery, prompting speculation about how the storyline will unfold.

Continuing the Saga

This new installment serves as a direct continuation of 2023’s Luther: The Fallen Sun, which saw Luther navigating a complex situation after being dismissed from the police force and incarcerated. He ultimately escaped imprisonment to pursue and apprehend the wealthy serial killer David Robey, portrayed by Andy Serkis.

Familiar and New Faces

The sequel promises to delve further into Luther’s troubled psyche and his relentless pursuit of justice, even when operating outside the boundaries of the law. A significant element of the upcoming film is the return of Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan, the captivating and psychopathic killer who shares a complicated and intense connection with Luther.

Returning Characters

Her character’s fate was left ambiguous at the end of the fifth series of the original BBC show, with her apparent fall from scaffolding leaving room for a dramatic reappearance. Dermot Crowley will also be back as the astute Detective Superintendent Martin Schenk, a character who has been a consistent presence throughout the Luther universe, appearing in all five series of the television show and the previous Netflix film.

New Additions to the Cast

The Southwold filming sessions also introduced two new characters to the Luther world, played by Stephen Dillane and Anya Chalotra. Dillane, known for his compelling performance as Stannis Baratheon in Game of Thrones, and Chalotra, who gained recognition as the sorceress Yennefer in Netflix’s The Witcher, add fresh dimensions to the cast.

Filming Details and Release Date

Elba, during filming, adopted a more relaxed appearance for Luther, swapping his signature tweed overcoat for a practical green parka and sweatshirt. A poignant moment captured during filming showed Elba’s character offering comfort to Chalotra’s character, who was dressed in a vibrant orange coat and jeans. While the film currently lacks a formal title, production began in London earlier in the year, and Netflix anticipates a release in early 2027.