So, picture this. You’ve just been to the Palace. You’ve had a sword tapped on your shoulders by the King; you’re officially a Knight of the Realm, and everyone has to call you “Sir.” Most people would be off celebrating with a bottle of something expensive. Not…..Sir Idris Elba.
Instead, less than 48 hours after his investiture, he was spotted back in the grit. We’re talking about the grey, rain-slicked pavement of Canary Wharf, looking every bit the tortured detective we’ve obsessed over for fifteen years. Seeing Idris Elba film’s new Luther Sequel Scenes after receiving Knighthood is a bit of a trip, really. It’s like the universe wanted to remind us that no matter how high he climbs, John Luther is always going to be stuck in a London downpour.
And let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be Luther if he was dry, would it?
The Fake Rain And The Real Chase
On March 16, 2026, the suit-and-tie crowd in Canary Wharf got a proper shock during their lunch break. The whole financial district basically turned into a giant, soggy film set. Now, the funny thing about London is that it rains all the time, but apparently, the “real” stuff isn’t dramatic enough for Netflix.
According to eyewitnesses who caught the action on TikTok, the production crew hauled in massive rain machines to absolutely drench the streets. People were stood there with their actual umbrellas watching a man-made storm happen ten feet away.
The scene itself was a proper lung-buster. Sir Idris—and yeah, it still feels a bit weird saying that—was seen sprinting past a Hamptons estate agent, weaving through extras who were dodging the “rain.” He was pursuing someone, or something, and the energy level was through the roof. What’s striking is that he’s 53 and still running these sprints himself. The stunt double may have been on set to scout the slippery spots, sure, but when the director yelled “Action”, it was Elba doing all of the heavy lifting.
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Idris Alba Knighthood Wasn’t Just For Show
We all know him as the guy who played Stringer Bell or the detective with the red tie, but the knighthood he picked up in the 2026 New Year Honours list? That was for something way bigger than acting. It was for his “services to young people.”
Look, the guy has been a machine when it comes to campaigning against knife crime in the UK. He didn’t just put his name on a flyer; he’s been on the ground. He and his wife, Sabrina, set up the Elba Hope Foundation to actually give kids an alternative to the violence they see on their estates.
He actually told a funny story on The Graham Norton Show back in January about how he almost missed the whole thing. The letter from the Cabinet Office ended up buried in a pile of junk mail! He had about two days to say “yes” before the deadline. Can you imagine? Sir Idris Elba almost didn’t happen because of a messy hallway table. Anyway, he’s said that while the acting pays the bills, the charity work “earned the sword.” That’s the kind of energy he’s bringing back to the set of this new sequel.
What’s The Plot Of The Film?
This new film is working under the codename “Hawksmoor.” If you’re a London history nerd, you’ll know that Nicholas Hawksmoor designed some of the spookiest churches in the city – places that feel like they should be in a Luther episode.
The tale unfolds immediately after the madness of The Fallen Sun. If you remember, Luther ended that movie in a very “hush-hush” arrangement with British intelligence. The new logline basically says he’s been “secretly called back into service” because someone is carrying out savage, random killings across the city.
But the real news—the thing that’s got the fans going mental—is that Ruth Wilson is back as Alice Morgan. Yeah. Alice. Everyone thought she was gone, but you can’t keep a good psychopath down, can you? Seeing Sir Idris Elba filming for the new Luther sequel scenes alongside Ruth Wilson is the reunion we’ve been begging for. The chemistry between those two is basically the spine of the show. Without Alice, Luther is just a grumpy copper in a nice coat. With her, it’s something else entirely.
Where Else Are They Filming?
It’s not just been Canary Wharf. The crew has been all over the shop this year. In February, they did a massive three-day stint at Wimbledon Common. They tried to keep it quiet, telling locals it was just a small production, but you can’t hide a Netflix budget for long. According to reports from Putney, they were filming something dark and moody in the woods.
They’ve also been spotted in:
- Crouch End: Doing night shoots for a bike chase.
- Parkland Walk: Using those old, abandoned railway vibes.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: Rumour has it there’s a massive scene involving an exploding car right outside the steps.
It feels like they’re trying to capture that “Old London” grit again. The first movie was great, but it felt a bit “Bond” at times, especially when they went to Iceland. This sequel seems like a return to the claustrophobic, rainy streets where Luther belongs.
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Why The Wait For 2027?
So, here’s the kicker. Although we are looking at these photos right now in March 2026, chances are that the actual movie won’t be released until the middle of 2027. Why? The post-production on these things has to be a nightmare. They’re shooting through May, and then there are months of editing, sound designing, and getting that fake rain to look just right. Plus, Idris is busy. He’s also shooting a documentary with King Charles for Netflix that’s set to be released this year. The man doesn’t sleep.
Honestly, just seeing him out there getting soaked to the bone days after being knighted tells you all you need to know about him. He could be lounging on the beach, but he wants to be here instead, in East London, chasing bad guys wearing a wool coat that must weigh twenty pounds when wet.
FAQs
Q1. When Did Idris Elba Actually Become A “Sir”?
He was officially knighted in March 2026, after being named in the New Year Honours list at the end of 2025.
Q2. Is This Going To Be The Last Luther Movie?
Nobody knows for sure. The codename “Hawksmoor” doesn’t give much away, but some people are calling it The Last Line. We’ll have to wait and see.
Q3. How Does Alice Morgan Come Back?
That’s the million-pound question. She’s “died” about three times now. The fans don’t care about the logic; they just want her back on screen with John.
Q4. Where Can I See The Filming?
Most of the big scenes in Canary Wharf are wrapped, but they’re still moving around North London. If you see a lot of rain machines and a tall man in a grey coat, you’ve found it.
Q5. Is It A Sequel To The TV Show Or The First Movie?
Both, really. It follows the timeline of the first Netflix film (The Fallen Sun), but it brings back more of the “feel” of the original BBC series.
Anyway, that’s the state of play. It’s good to see him back, isn’t it? Knighthood or not, the man still knows how to wear that coat.
Sources & References
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Putney News. (2026, March 4). The new Idris Elba Luther film secretly shot on Wimbledon Common last month.
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MyLondon. (2026, March). Idris Elba spotted in Canary Wharf: Fake rain and chase scenes revealed. MyLondon Entertainment.
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What’s On Netflix. (2026, March). Exclusive first looks at Idris Elba on set as Luther 2 continues filming in the UK for Netflix.
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Manchester Evening News. (2025). The story of Sir Idris’s knighthood: Investiture and charity work. Manchester Evening News – Showbiz.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as promotion or endorsement of any individual, organisation, or production. All references are based on publicly available information and media reports. Readers are advised to verify details independently. The author assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or interpretations.
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