The 2023 Netflix film Luther: The Fallen Sun reignited interest in the gritty world of detective John Luther, portrayed by Idris Elba. A cinematic extension of the acclaimed BBC series Luther, the movie brought the troubled detective into a higher-stakes, more globalized narrative.
Following its release, fans have speculated about a potential sequel. Could this be the start of a larger film franchise? Idris Elba himself has weighed in, and clues from both the movie and industry developments suggest there’s more to the story.
How ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ sets up future stories
The plot of The Fallen Sun picks up after the events of the series, with John Luther imprisoned for his past ethical violations as a police officer. However, when a new villain—tech billionaire and serial killer David Robey—emerges, Luther escapes custody to bring him down. The film takes viewers from the grim backstreets of London to the chilling Arctic Circle, wrapping up with Robey’s defeat but leaving plenty of narrative threads open.
By the film’s end, Luther is approached by British intelligence rather than the police. The implication is clear: he’s being considered for clandestine work beyond his usual role as a detective. This ending doesn’t feel final; it feels transitional. It opens the door to a new phase in Luther’s career—perhaps one that involves more espionage than detective work.
What Idris Elba has said about a sequel
Idris Elba has openly expressed interest in expanding the Luther universe. In multiple interviews, he’s suggested that The Fallen Sun is not intended as a standalone film but the first in a potential series of cinematic stories.
In a March 2023 interview with Variety, Elba stated, “We’ve got some momentum now. Netflix is happy, the audience is engaged, and we’re already talking about where we take it next.” He hinted that discussions were ongoing with Netflix regarding a follow-up and even floated the idea of Luther becoming a franchise.
In another conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Elba emphasized the character’s transformation in The Fallen Sun, saying: “He’s no longer a cop. He’s a man who still believes in justice, but he’s operating outside the system. That opens up many possibilities.” This narrative freedom allows future installments to explore new genres and global settings.
Franchise potential and comparisons to other characters
Some commentators have likened John Luther’s cinematic trajectory to that of James Bond or Jason Bourne. While the Luther series was deeply rooted in British procedural drama, The Fallen Sun embraced international thriller elements. The villain was high-tech, the stakes were global, and the action more cinematic than ever before.
This shift positions Luther as a character capable of existing within a franchise model. He’s a complex protagonist—haunted, brilliant, violent when needed—whose appeal lies in both his vulnerability and his resolve. This depth could sustain multiple sequels with varied tones, from espionage thrillers to psychological dramas.
What a sequel might explore
If a sequel is greenlit, several narrative directions are available. Based on the conclusion of The Fallen Sun, it’s plausible that Luther could be recruited into British intelligence, perhaps MI5 or MI6. This would push the series into the spy genre, allowing for broader storytelling and exotic locations.
Possible storylines include:
- Luther working undercover in foreign countries to dismantle international crime syndicates
- Exploration of his past relationships, especially with characters like Alice Morgan (if resurrected from presumed death)
- Conflicts between his brutal personal code and the shadowy ethics of intelligence work
- New antagonists that challenge not just his intellect, but his psychological limits
Additionally, the character of Odette Raine (played by Cynthia Erivo) could return, possibly as an ally or rival, offering continuity and character tension.
What Netflix has revealed so far
As of now, Netflix has not officially confirmed a sequel. However, streaming platforms often measure success through a combination of viewership, engagement metrics, and cultural impact. The Fallen Sun performed strongly in its first weeks on the platform, ranking in the global top 10 for English-language films and generating widespread social media buzz.
Netflix has a history of investing in properties with strong fan bases and franchise potential, such as The Witcher, Extraction, and Red Notice. The Luther brand fits that model, combining a pre-existing television audience with cinematic appeal.
Challenges facing a potential sequel
While the interest is apparent, several obstacles could delay or prevent a sequel:
- Scheduling conflicts: Idris Elba remains a busy actor, often involved in multiple projects at once. Coordinating his availability will be crucial.
- Creative direction: A sequel must balance continuity with innovation. Veering too far from the original tone could alienate longtime fans.
- Budget considerations: The Fallen Sun featured a significantly larger budget than the TV series. Maintaining cinematic quality while managing costs may be a factor.
- Writer and director involvement: Neil Cross, the creator of Luther, wrote The Fallen Sun. His continued involvement is seen as essential to the franchise’s integrity.
These challenges are not insurmountable but require careful planning and commitment from all parties involved.
Fan expectations and critical reception
While fans welcomed the return of Luther, reactions to The Fallen Sun were mixed. Many praised the performances and visual style, but some critics noted that the plot felt more exaggerated than the series’ grounded storytelling.
This divergence highlights the need for balance in future installments. A sequel must retain the moral complexity and psychological tension that defined the series while embracing the cinematic scope introduced in The Fallen Sun.
Fan enthusiasm remains high, however, especially among those eager to see Luther evolve in new environments. Forums, Reddit threads, and social media are filled with wish lists for future villains, plotlines, and returning characters.
A sequel is likely, but not confirmed
While Luther: The Fallen Sun does not guarantee a follow-up, all signs point toward an intention to continue the story. Idris Elba has expressed strong interest, Netflix appears satisfied with the film’s performance, and the narrative was designed to transition Luther into a new role rather than conclude his arc.
A sequel would mark a new chapter not only for John Luther but for the Luther universe as a whole. Whether tackling espionage, confronting ghosts from his past, or navigating alliances with morally ambiguous organizations, Luther remains a character ripe for further exploration. For now, fans wait eagerly for an official announcement—one that seems more a matter of “when” than “if.”