Photo: Mammoth Screen/Jonathan Ford
BritBox today announced that Edward Bluemel (Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, My Lady Jane) has been cast as Agatha Christie’s iconic Belgian detective in new drama series Hercule. Produced by Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited for BritBox North America and the BBC, the six-part series is written by Benji Walters (Code of Silence, Obsession).
Jonny Campbell (Am I Being Unreasonable?, Dracula) will direct the first two episodes. Charlie Palmer (A Woman of Substance, Extraordinary) is series producer. Filming will start this summer, primarily in Liverpool
Per BritBox, “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…”
“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,” Edward Bluemel says.
“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,” says Jon Farrar, Chief Content Officer, Direct to Consumer, BBC Studios.
“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!” adds Rebecca Durbin and Damien Timmer, Executive Producers, Mammoth Screen.
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