Luther: The Fallen Sun was one of the most highly anticipated crime thrillers of 2023, and fans of the original British television series eagerly awaited its release.
Directed by Jamie Payne and written by Neil Cross, the film serves as the final installment of the Luther story, delivering an action-packed and emotionally charged conclusion to the beloved series.
Cast and Characters Navigation
- What Is Luther: The Fallen Sun About?
- 1. Idris Elba (John Luther) – 6ft 2 ½ (189.2 cm)
- 2. Cynthia Erivo (Odette Raine) – 5ft 0 (152.4 cm)
- 3. Andy Serkis (David Robey) – 5ft 7 ¼ (170.8 cm)
- 4. Lauryn Ajufo (Anya Raine) – 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- 5. Dermot Crowley (DSU Martin Schenk) – 5ft 8 (172.7 cm)
- The Supporting Cast of Luther: The Fallen Sun
Idris Elba leads the talented ensemble of actors in the 2023 crime thriller film Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: Netflix)
One reason the Luther franchise has been so successful is its talented cast, led by the incomparable Idris Elba in the title role.
Let’s examine the actors who bring Luther: The Fallen Sun to life and discover what they look like in real life. We’ll explore the faces behind the characters and their past work, giving fans a glimpse into Luther’s world beyond the screen.
What Is Luther: The Fallen Sun About?
The 2023 Netflix crime thriller movie Luther: The Fallen Sun is a continuation of the long-running British television series of the same name and serves as the series’ final installment.
In the epic follow-up to the acclaimed television series, which has been reinvented for the big screen, a gruesome serial killer portrayed by Andy Serkis is terrorizing London’s neighborhoods. At the same time, genius but dishonored detective John Luther, played by Idris Elba, is imprisoned.
Idris Elba as John Luther in the 2023 crime thriller film Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: Netflix)
Luther decides to escape from jail to complete the mission using whatever means necessary as he is tormented by his inability to catch the cyber psychopath, who is now taunting him.
Idris Elba played DCI John Luther in the psychological crime thriller series, which also starred Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan.
It debuted on BBC One in May 2010 and aired for five seasons until January 2019. DCI John Luther was imprisoned at the end of the BBC series’ final season. Ironically, his unconventional but efficient tactics of investigation and justice-seeking led to his detention.
Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan and Idris Elba as DCI John Luther in the British psychological crime thriller television series Luther (Credit: BBC Studios)
The highly lauded and renowned series earned Idris a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film, among other nominations and awards for the show.
1. Idris Elba (John Luther) – 6ft 2 ½ (189.2 cm)
John Luther, a former executive inspector with the Serious Crime Unit of the Metropolitan Police, was well-known for his exceptional logical abilities and capacity to bring lawbreakers to justice.
However, he frequently did so through unconventional and unlawful methods.
Idris Elba is often mistaken for being much taller than he is. He is above average height at 6ft 2 ½ (189.2 cm) but not a giant. His height is often amplified when photographed next to his shorter co-stars.
Idris Elba as John Luther in the 2023 crime thriller film Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: Netflix)
Luther is so devoted to his profession that he becomes possessive and obsessed to the point of becoming aggressive. He frequently becomes consumed by the evil of the crimes and the criminals—a price he pays for becoming invested in his work.
While Luther may be one of Idris Elba’s most well-known roles, he is also recognized for his work in The Wire, the US edition of The Office, Beast, Prometheus, Star Trek Beyond, The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and several MCU flicks as Heimdall.
Rufus Buck, a pivotal character in the Western movie The Harder They Fall, was one of his other well-known performances. The English actor also performs as an R&B singer and DJ under DJ Big Driis or Idris in addition to acting.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba and Idris Elba looked stunning together at the world premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun at the BFI IMAX in London, England, on March 1, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
At the global premiere of his movie Luther: The Fallen Sun, which took place at the BFI IMAX, Waterloo in London on Wednesday, Idris Elba was every bit the captivating movie star.
The actor cut a dapper figure in a mauve satin suit with a pleated front layer and pointed collar as he posed alongside his stunning wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba—who, at 5 feet 7 inches (173 cm), complemented his towering presence with effortless grace.
Idris showcased his impeccable style in a modern mauve satin suit, paired with matching trousers and gleaming black patent leather ‘No Penny’ loafers from Christian Louboutin—worth $945—which he boldly wore sockless for a sleek, fashion-forward finish.
Idris Elba exudes effortless elegance in a modern mauve satin suit paired with sleek black Christian Louboutin patent loafers at the premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Sabrina, meanwhile, looked stunning in a tight, long-sleeved black dress with glove-like openings and a unique, beaded belt that dangled in strands at the back to give the outfit a futuristic finish resembling octopus tentacles.
The floor-sweeping length of her outfit hid her shoes, but given her previous red carpet ensembles, the actress likely slipped on a pair of pointed-toe pumps or heeled sandals that matched or complemented her dress.
She sported a red manicure, accessorized her appearance with dazzling round crystal drop earrings, and wore her long raven hair in a stylish cut to complete her look.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba stuns in a sleek, long-sleeved black gown cinched with a sculptural beaded belt, adding drama and elegance to the Luther: The Fallen Sun premiere red carpet (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
2. Cynthia Erivo (Odette Raine) – 5ft 0 (152.4 cm)
Luther’s opponent and rival detective, Odette Raine, attempts to track him down after his prison break.
Cynthia Erivo, renowned for her work in movies including Pinocchio, Harriet, Bad Times at the El Royale, and Widows, will also star in the upcoming two-part Wicked movie series.
Cynthia Erivo exudes retro-chic confidence as Odette Raine in Luther: The Fallen Sun, wearing a vintage-inspired printed blouse tucked into high-waisted trousers—an ensemble that blends authority with standout style amid a high-tech backdrop (Credit: Netflix)
The English actress debuted on stage in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg in 2011. She rose to fame after playing the lead role in the Broadway production of The Color Purple from 2015 to 2017. For her performance, she received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Despite likely wearing heels hidden beneath her dramatic fishtail gown, Cynthia Erivo appears noticeably petite next to the towering Idris Elba on the red carpet (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Cynthia grabbed attention when she arrived at the world premiere wearing a daring silver fishtail dress with a contrasting white flared skirt.
The plunging sequin dress wonderfully caressed the actress’s stunning body. She kept her accessories to a minimum, choosing only a whimsical chain purse and a pair of delicate silver earrings.
Cynthia Erivo turns heads in a show-stopping silver sequin fishtail gown with a dramatic white flared hem, exuding futuristic glamour at the Luther: The Fallen Sun world premiere (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
3. Andy Serkis (David Robey) – 5ft 7 ¼ (170.8 cm)
David Robey is a cyber billionaire who also behaves as a serial killer, controlling and killing people via surveillance technology. David and Luther have already confronted each other, but until now, the antagonist has been able to avoid punishment. This time, however, things could be different.
Andy Serkis is most recognized for his motion capture performances as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film franchises, as Caesar in the latest Planet of the Apes movie, and as Snoke in the Star Wars films.
Andy Serkis makes a bold statement in a patterned emerald overcoat layered over a sleek black ensemble at the world premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
In addition to these portrayals, he is well-known for his roles as Alfred in The Batman, Kino Loy in Andor, and Ulysses Klaue in the MCU.
The Hollywood actor cut a stylish figure on the red carpet while snuggling up to his wife, Lorraine Ashbourne. With a striking green patterned long jacket, Andy wore a classy black silk shirt that he slipped into suit pants.
Lorraine looked gorgeous in a wide-leg, black jumpsuit with lace accents at the bust. The English actress accentuated with a pair of stunning drop earrings and placed a stylishly matched blazer over the outfit.
Andy Serkis cozying up to wife Lorraine Ashbourne at the world premiere of Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
4. Lauryn Ajufo (Anya Raine) – 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Anya Raine is Odette’s teenage daughter. Lauryn Ajufo is an English actress of Nigerian ancestry best known for her roles as Misha Morris in the Netflix science fiction show The Last Bus and Neve in the ITVX and ITV2 teenage series Tell Me Everything.
In 2020, she made her broadcast debut in a cameo in the Holby City soap series. Lauryn garnered favorable reviews for her work in the 2021 film Boiling Point and was nominated for a British Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Performance.
Lauryn Ajufo turned heads in a plunging black satin gown with ruched detailing and a thigh-high slit, finishing the look with shimmering silver ankle-strap heels at the Luther: The Fallen Sun premiere (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
At the movie’s world premiere, the English actress dazzled in a low-cut black satin gown and silver high heels with ankle straps and exposed toes.
Lauryn completed her ensemble with simple accessories: several rings, a delicate bracelet, and a stunning necklace.
5. Dermot Crowley (DSU Martin Schenk) – 5ft 8 (172.7 cm)
Martin Schenk, the DSU at the Serious Crime Unit, served as Luther’s former director. The series initially introduced him as a possible threat, looking into Luther’s alleged protocol violations. Now, he is a devoted supporter of Luther.
Dermot Crowley is well-known for his work in the Luther series and for starring as General Crix Madine in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
One of the Irish actor’s notable performances includes Lazar Kaganovich in the famous political satire The Death of Stalin in 2017.
Rose Leslie as DS Emma Lane and Dermot Crowley as DSU Martin Schenk in the British psychological crime thriller television series Luther (Credit: BBC Studios)
The Supporting Cast of Luther: The Fallen Sun
The Fallen Sun will introduce a new DS character named Archie Woodward. The actor who plays Archie is Thomas Coombes, best known for roles in the movies Living and Boiling Point and the shows Save Me, Endeavour, White House Farm, and EastEnders.
Corinne Aldrich is another supporting figure Luther vowed to help following an event involving her kid. Operation Mincemeat, Enola Holmes, and Beauty and the Beast are just a few of the movies in which Hattie Morahan, who plays Corinne, has appeared.
The English actress is known for her roles in television programs such as Outnumbered, Inside No. 9, and The Undeclared War.
Hattie Morahan exudes understated elegance in a floral midi dress, black heeled ankle boots, and a velvet chain-strap bag at a National Theatre event in London (Credit: Keith Mayhew / IPA / INSTARimages)
Vincent Regan also appears as Dennis McCabe. The Welsh actor is well known for his roles in Before We Die, Scott & Bailey, The Royals, Silent Witness, and Victoria.
Additional cast members include Peter Theobalds as DC Williams, Henry Hereford as Brian Lee, Alexander Anderson as Ian Moore, Einar Kuusk as Arkady Kachimov, and Natasha Patel as Lydia Deng.
Vincent Regan keeps it casual in a black bomber jacket and dark jeans alongside a guest, while Henry Hereford opts for a classic gray suit on the red carpet at separate events (Credit: Goff / INFphoto / Faye Sadou / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)
While it was shown in theaters on February 24, 2023, its release on Netflix’s streaming service on March 10, 2023, was a huge event. The film received widespread acclaim for its gripping storyline and stellar performances, particularly by Idris Elba.
Critics praised the intense plot twists and the continuation of the dark, brooding atmosphere that the series is known for. Fans celebrated its return, making it one of the most-watched releases on Netflix in 2023.
Idris Elba returns as the brooding detective John Luther, captured in a tense moment from the 2023 crime thriller Luther: The Fallen Sun (Credit: Netflix)
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer to the world of Luther, the cast of The Fallen Sun is sure to impress with their talent and striking looks, so get ready to dive in headfirst.
Beyond the gripping performances and cinematic drama of Luther: The Fallen Sun, the film’s stars—and those supporting them—also delivered standout fashion moments worth spotlighting.
Stepping Out in Style: Shoe Highlights from the Women of the Luther: The Fallen Sun Red Carpet
Cynthia Erivo Shines in Louis Vuitton Cage Pumps at the 2025 BAFTAs
- Event: 2025 BAFTA Awards
- Outfit: Cynthia Erivo graced the red carpet in a romantic lace gown.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with white Louis Vuitton cage pumps, adding a modern edge to her classic look.
- More Details: Cynthia Erivo’s stunning BAFTA appearance
Ruth Wilson Dazzles in Star-Embellished Dress at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards
- Event: 2019 Evening Standard Theatre Awards
- Outfit: Ruth Wilson captivated attendees in a Michael Kors crepe-sable dress adorned with glimmering stars and micro-sequins.
- Footwear: She paired her festive red dress with elegant heels, enhancing her glamorous appearance.
- More Details: Ruth Wilson’s starry red carpet look
Sabrina Dhowre Elba’s Elegant Ensemble at the ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ Premiere
- Outfit: Sabrina Dhowre Elba showcased her chic style alongside Idris Elba and his daughter, Isan Elba.
- Footwear: While specific details about her shoes are unavailable, Sabrina’s overall ensemble reflected her sophisticated fashion sense.
- More Details: Sabrina Dhowre Elba’s premiere appearance