First Look at Edward Bluemel as Poirot in Hercule
Today, BritBox revealed a first look at Edward Bluemel as Hercule Poirot in the forthcoming six-part drama series Hercule, a Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited production for BritBox and the BBC.
The series, which has commenced filming in Liverpool, is an intimate study of Hercule Poirot, the man, and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars. Hercule will center on three of Christie’s early stories, while also introducing Hercule Poirot to future friends and allies, as well as one particular nemesis.
Previously announced to join Bluemel in the series are Henry Ashton (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), James D’Arcy (Oppenheimer, Constellations), Calvin Demba (Supacell, Life), and Phil Dunning (Smoggie Queens, Am I Being Unreasonable?).
Jack Gleeson (House of Guinness, In the Land of the Saints and Sinners), Tamsin Greig (Riot Women, Friday Night Dinner), James Nesbitt (Cold Feet, Run Away), Guy Remmers (The Buccaneers, Lessons), Rebecca Rittenhouse (His & Hers, Maggie), and Mawaan Rizwan (Juice, The Split Up) round out the cast.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest detectives in fiction, Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels have sold over 750 million copies, captivating readers and audiences for more than a century.
Written by Benji Walters (Code of Silence, The Leopard, Obsession), the first two episodes are being directed by Jonny Campbell (Am I Being Unreasonable?, In the Flesh), with Chanya Button (Code of Silence, Doctor Who) and Alrick Riley (Bridgerton, How to Get Away with Murder) directing the middle two episodes and final two episodes, respectively. Charlie Palmer (A Woman of Substance, Extraordinary) serves as series producer.
Hercule (6 x 60’) is produced by Mammoth Screen (a part of ITV Studios) and Agatha Christie Limited for BritBox in North America, BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK.
The executive producers are Benji Walters and Jonny Campbell, James Prichard for Agatha Christie Limited, Rebecca Durbin and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, Robert Schildhouse, Jon Farrar, and Stephen Nye for BritBox, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. Charlie Palmer (A Woman of Substance, Extraordinary) is series producer. Fifth Season is handling global distribution.
Previous Agatha Christie adaptations are available to stream now on BritBox.
When Edward Bluemel was announced for the role, he said: “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.”
Jon Farrar, Chief Content Officer, Direct to Consumer, BBC Studios, added: “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.
“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.”
James Prichard, Executive Producer, Agatha Christie Limited, said: “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.
“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.”
Rebecca Durbin and Damien Timmer, Executive Producers, Mammoth Screen, commented: “Edward Bluemel and Benji Walters are both extraordinary talents and it is a joy to see them take on this beloved character and make it their own – Hercule is both a love letter to Agatha Christie and a fascinating new perspective on an iconic figure – we hope viewers will find it as arresting as we do!”
