Fans of Hercule Poirot have voiced their doubts after the BBC released a first-look image of Edward Bluemel in the role, with many saying the casting has "missed the point" of the iconic detective.
The My Lady Jane actor takes on the part made famous by David Suchet, who played the Agatha Christie character in the ITV series from 1989 to 2013. Edward will star in a new six-part series, which has already begun filming in Liverpool.
First-look image sparks mixed reactions
In the image shared on Friday, Edward is seen in a classic suit, staring at the camera with Poirot's signature moustache. While one fan called him "perfect" and another wrote "He looks scrumptious. I'm happy to see him in something again. My Lady Jane was the perfect show," others were less convinced.
One fan wrote: "I loved him in My Lady Jane so I'll give this a watch for sure. He is a good actor, but not sure if he is a good Poirot." Another said: "Nobody wants an attractive Poirot," while a third added: "He's no David Suchet."
Fans question the portrayal
"To me, making Hercule Poirot young and sexy misses a lot of the point of Hercule Poirot," one viewer said. Another added: "There's nothing little, funny, or egg-shaped about this actor." Others noted "That stache isn't even curly" and "The whole point of Poirot is that he is not conventionally attractive."
Yet another fan wrote: "I could see him being a good Poirot...In 20 years."
Cast and release details
The BBC has described the series as "an intimate study of Hercule Poirot the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars." The drama will centre on three of Christie's earlier stories and introduce Poirot to future friends, allies, and a nemesis.
Alongside Edward, the cast includes Henry Ashton, James D'Arcy, Calvin Demba, Phil Dunning, Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, Guy Remmers, Rebecca Rittenhouse, and Mawaan Rizwan. Hercule will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and on BritBox in North America.
