Luther season 5 official: Idris Elba, Neil Cross returning

This is the sort of news that would take care of anyone with a case of the Mondays: Luther season 5 is happening, and with star Idris Elba and longtime writer Neil Cross on board!

The idea of this story was gestating not too long after the fourth season concluded on the BBC; there is frequently talk at this point about each season being the last one, but the truth here may just be that this John Luther character is too great for either Elba or Cross to walk away from. He’s morally complex, tormented, and also exceptional at what he does. This marks an opportunity to either close the book on the character, or maybe even begin a new chapter considering what happened last season.

In an official statement via BBC America (who broadcasts the show stateside), Elba stated the following:

“Neil, the BBC and I have been talking about a further season and I am thrilled that we have been able to bring it all together. I look forward to putting the coat back on.”

Meanwhile, Cross added the following:

“Now what? It’s a question Idris and I get asked a lot. What happened to John Luther after we last saw him striding unbowed through the streets of his city, his blood red London? It can’t be over, can it? There’s so much we don’t know. So much unfinished business. The thing is, we’ve been asking ourselves the same question. Because we love John and wonder what he’s up to. And as for me, I’m scared of the monsters. The face at the window. The hand under the bed. The shadow at the end of the street. Who’s going to stop them, if not John Luther?”

There is no firm Luther season 5 premiere date, but given the timing of this announcement the reasonable assumption is to anticipate the show making a grand return in 2018. With it only being four episodes, we know that while it may be a short season (as it always is), it will be jam packed!

It’s hard to be anything other than elated by this news. Elba is a revelation as John, and Cross’ writing is perfectly-suited for the dark stories that are told. Here’s to unlocking another great mystery and seeing whatever the future holds for John Luther.

Feel free to share your thoughts to the Luther season 5 news in the comments; meanwhile, be sure to click here for some further insight when it comes to the show. (Photo: BBC.)