Idris Elba: It's complex but we can do a Luther film

Idris Elba, star of TV detective series Luther, says it would be possible for them to make a film version of the programme.

The show returns to BBC One on Tuesday night for a third series.

"Old genre films like Seven and Kiss the Girls haven't been made in a long time. [It] has to speak to audiences who haven't seen the show," he said.

"It's a complex thing to try to turn a TV show into a film but I think we can. I think we can do it."

Like the second season, there are just four new episodes of Luther.

"We wanted to just make a short run," added Elba.

"In fact, we didn't really have a plan for how long we were going to shoot Luther for but the third season is definitely dedicated to the fans.

"They waited a year and a half for it, and so I'm really, really excited to give them the third season."

Luther has also been a hit in the US, with Idris Elba picking up a Golden Globe for his portrayal of DCI John Luther.

Previously the actor has had roles in The Wire, where he played drug lord Stringer Bell as well as films including Thor and Prometheus.

He has a role in the upcoming Guillermo del Toro movie Pacific Rim and has confirmed he is playing the former South African president Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom.

Idris Elba is also a successful musician and DJ and recently directed and performed in the video for Mumford & Sons' single, Lover of the Light.

The third series of Luther starts at 9pm on BBC One.

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