British hit series Luther is the latest in a line of European shows which are being remade in America. That means new actors, and no Idris Elba.
Detective Chief Inspector John Luther is going to America, as Fox announces plans to produce its own version of the popular crime drama.
It will be written and executively produced by Neil Cross, creator of the original series. Idris Elba will serve as executive producer.
Elba has expressed interested in making a cameo in the new series, but it seems very unlikely that he would be interested in reprising his role as the lead.
However, there might be one last chance to see Elba as Luther. Speaking to Digital Spy, the actor reveals that, “I think we’re gonna probably do one more incarnation on TV. But not a season – a one-off. I am desperately trying to make that happen.”
Earlier this year he spoke about his plans to make Luther into a movie, but admitted, “I think television is beckoning [so] we’re going to do some more.”
But this would be unconnected to the American show, which would likely look for a whole new set of leads.
American networks are all about snatching up good shows from other countries and making them their own – despite their questionable success rate with this in the past.
The superb Danish crime drama The Killing was remade in 2011, and while it was off to a rocky start, some would argue it’s become a decent show. The U.S. version of The Bridge lasted two seasons in America, and failed to attract the attention which FX was hoping for.
Most recently, Gracepoint hasn’t been doing so hot on Fox, despite starring David Tennant from the original series Broadchurch.
Luther ran from 2011-2013 on BBC One, and consisted of 14 episodes. It won a total of eight Emmys for Best Actor, Best Miniseries, and Best Writing/Directing.
While the show certainly is spectacular, we wonder how much of it has to do with Elba’s enigmatic portrayal. It would be a bit like remaking House without Hugh Laurie, or Hell’s Kitchen without Gordon Ramsay (which, incidentally, is also a British remake).
But then again, maybe a fresh interpretation of the character could open up the story in new ways.