Idris Elba to return as Luther in Netflix film alongside Cythia Erivo and Andy Serkis

Idris Elba is reprising the role of Luther for a film on Netflix, the streaming giant has said.

It will follow the story of the gritty, haunted Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, played by Elba, and will also feature Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis in the film version of the critically-acclaimed BBC drama.

Show creator Neil Cross returns to write the film, with Jamie Payne - who directed a few of the programme's episodes - expected to oversee proceedings.

The streaming service, which is making the film with the BBC, says it is "an epic continuation of the Luther saga reimagined for film", and will apparently see him face a number of new challenges.

Genius star Erivo is reportedly signed on to play a rival detective in the new film, according to The Hollywood Reporter, while Lord Of The Rings actor Serkis will reportedly play the villain.

The role could give Erivo the coveted "EGOT" status, after having previously won an Emmy, Grammy and a Tony for her part in The Colour Purple on Broadway.

Elba has won Golden Globes and a Royal Television Society award for his role as Luther, with the show winning praise from both critics and fans alike.

Luther's fifth series in January 2019 aired across four nights, and saw the return of the titular character's murderous sidekick Alice Morgan (played by Ruth Wilson), after speculation that she had died at the end of the previous season.