The BBC is moving forward with a new Hercule Poirot series, more than a century after Agatha Christie first introduced the Belgian detective in her 1920 novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles. The show is framed as both a character study and a sweeping portrait of Britain between the wars.
According to Collider, the BBC's own synopsis describes it this way: "The series is an intimate study of Hercule Poirot the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars. The series will centre around three of Christie's early stories, while also introducing Hercule Poirot to future friends and allies and one particular nemesis…"
Benji Walters, known for the series Obsession, is attached to write the new show. Reports have suggested the project could stretch to three seasons, though no plot details have been confirmed.
Poirot went on to appear in 33 novels, two plays and more than 50 short stories after his debut, making him one of the most recognized characters in literary history. His screen history is long and varied. David Suchet played the character on ITV from 1989 to 2013 in what remains the most celebrated screen adaptation. More recently, Kenneth Branagh brought Poirot to cinemas in Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and A Haunting in Venice. John Malkovich offered a darker take in the BBC's The ABC Murders.
The new series is aimed at introducing Poirot to audiences who may be less familiar with Christie's work. No casting or premiere date has been announced.
