Filed under: Previews
Yesterday it was announced in the 'Hollywood Reporter' that Golden Globe-nominated actor Idris Elba will host and produce BBC America's newly branded drama franchise 'Dramaville,' which will include three BBC original series.
The franchise will premiere on August 17 at 10PM with the hour-long 1950s espionage-themed thriller, 'The Hour,' followed by Elba's 'Luther' on Oct. 5, while the crime drama 'Whitechapel' debuts on November 2.
"British drama has long been a standard bearer of great scripted television and 'Dramaville' will showcase the very best of British creativity in a clear destination drama fans can easily find," says BBC Worldwide America GM, Perry Simon. "It's a real pleasure to welcome Idris back to the BBC America family as the host of 'Dramaville.'"
Elba's role on the dark psychological crime drama 'Luther' finds the London native portraying John Luther, a detective struggling to balance the psychological demands of work while trying to keep his marriage intact.
As far as the public's perception on similarities between John Luther and any of Elba's previous characters, the actor noted that many will likely make comparisons to his role as Russell "Stringer" Bell on 'The Wire.'
"People compare Luther to Stringer, as if those are the only two characters I've ever been," he told 'Entertainment Weekly' last October. "To be fair, those two characters appeal to a certain audience. For me, it's entertainment."
"Every single film I've done, it's about the character," he continued. "I chose these roles, whether it's 'Obsessed,' whether it's 'The Gospel.' Not everything is going to be as powerful as some of the more iconic roles."
Check out the trailer of the series second season below.