Agatha Christie‘s Hercule Poirot is one of the most iconic detectives in literary history. Since making his debut in 1920’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, the Belgian sleuth has solved dozens of mysteries across novels, short stories, films, television series, radio dramas, and stage productions. And now, he is returning to screens for a new generation to enjoy his particular brand of cozy mysteries.
BritBox has announced Hercule, a new six-part drama starring Edward Bluemel as a young Hercule Poirot. The series will follow Poirot’s earliest cases in London, exploring the experiences that shaped him long before he became the world’s most famous sleuth.
Here is everything we know about the series so far.
When will Hercule premiere?
Casting is still underway, so expect to wait. The six-part series will begin filming this summer in Liverpool.
Who will star in Hercule?
Edward Bluemel has been cast as a young Poirot. He is best known for his roles in My Lady Jane, A Discovery of Witches, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, Killing Eve, and Sex Education. “I feel very lucky to have been trusted with such an iconic character who has been played by so many great actors. I can’t wait to continue Hercule’s legacy,” said the actor in a statement.
No other actors have been cast at this time, but please check back for any updates.
Who is Hercule Poirot?
One of Agatha Christie’s most famous and longest-running characters, Poirot was a former Belgian police officer who fled to England as a refugee during World War I. Meticulous, slightly vain, and highly eccentric, he relies entirely on psychology, human nature, and deduction. His greatest allies include his loyal friend Captain Arthur Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard.
Over the years, the character of Poirot has been the focus of 33 novels, 50 short stories, over 15 films, and dozens of TV adaptations, and he has been brought to life on screen by acclaimed actors including David Suchet, Peter Ustinov, John Malkovich, and Kenneth Branagh.
“Few characters in fiction are as iconic as Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie’s stories have always been a cornerstone of BritBox, and with Hercule, we have an opportunity to explore a fascinating new chapter in Hercule Poirot’s life, bringing a fresh perspective to a character audiences think they know so well,” said Chief Content Officer Jon Farrar, direct to consumer, BBC Studios. “We’re delighted to greenlight a series that explores Hercule like never before, with Edward Bluemel bringing his charm, dynamism, and wit to a beloved character. This is an ambitious reimagining of one of Christie’s greatest creations, and we can’t wait for audiences across North America to discover Hercule Poirot all over again.”
“My father had the privilege of working with David Suchet for nearly 25 years, and I now have the good fortune of being able to share my great-grandmother’s brilliant stories with a new generation of viewers,” said Agatha Christie Limited exec producer James Prichard. “Edward Bluemel is an extremely talented performer and will make a great addition to the long line of actors that have played this celebrated character, aided and abetted by Benji Walters’ thoughtful scripts. I cannot wait to see Edward on screen as Hercule Poirot.”
What is Hercule about?
The official logline reads: “The series is an intimate study of Hercule the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars. The series takes a magnifying glass to three of Christie’s most celebrated stories, while also charting Hercule’s burgeoning friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings, his early encounters with Scotland Yard’s James Japp, and introducing him to one particular nemesis…”
Who is behind Hercule?
Hercule is produced by Mammoth Screen (part of ITV Studios) and Agatha Christie Limited for BritBox North America and the BBC. It is adapted by Benji Walters. The executive producers are Benji Walters and Jonny Campbell, James Prichard for Agatha Christie Limited, Rebecca Durbin and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, Nick Lambon for the BBC, and Robert Schildhouse, Jon Farrar, and Stephen Nye for BritBox. Charlie Palmer is the series producer. Fifth Season is handling global distribution.