Luther creator Neil Cross goes for something different with new series Iris
The creator of Luther has a new series in the works, but it will take place far from the dark, grimy parts of London where Idris Elba’s anti-hero detective stalked the streets in his signature tweed coat.
Neil Cross, who wrote every one of Luther’s 20 episodes and the 2023 film, wants you to know about Iris, which was filmed in the sunny climes of Sardinia mid-last year.
The show stars Niamh Algar, an Irish actor best known for her role as an android in sci-fi series Raised by Wolves, and Tom Hollander, who has been in a bunch of stuff including The Night Manager, Feud: Capote vs the Swans and Bohemian Rhapsody.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The thriller is centred on the character of Iris, a genius-level puzzle solver who is recruited by a philanthropist to break a code. Rest assured, this isn’t some desk-bound show just cutting between computer screens.
Iris becomes suspicious of the philanthropist and what he might do with the technology the code unlocks, so she steals it and goes on the run. Cross told The Hollywood Reporter that he took inspiration from adventure shows from his youth such as The Saint and The Persuaders.
The tone sounds like a departure from the angst and fear of Luther, with Cross describing it as the type of series that he and his wife would be able to enjoy, sitting on the couch with a glass of wine.
Expect bright, blue skies, jaunts through Italy in a Ferrari and a screwball dynamic between Algar and Hollander.
While Cross is best known for Luther, he has also written episodes of Spooks, Doctor Who and co-created the streaming reboot of The Mosquito Coast.
He explained to The Hollywood Reporter why he wanted to make something that leaned more into breezy storytelling.
“Television’s primary function is to entertain,” Cross said. “It can educate peripherally, but if you want deep, polyphonic approach to the human experience, and if you want the deployment of dramatic irony, read a novel.
“If you want to sit down and have fun, watch TV. That doesn’t mean it’s stupid. I’ll be very dull and predictable and quote The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, The Shield, which is much forgotten, but really did plumb the depths of human depravity but was still entertaining.
“Entertainment doesn’t mean frivolity, but it’s OK to watch TV and have fun.”
There’s no confirmed date or release plans yet for Iris in Australia but with that premise and pedigree, expect a local distributor to pick it up.
