The BBC has unveiled the first images of Edward Bluemel as a young Hercule Poirot in the upcoming prequel series Hercule, and the 33-year-old actor's moustache is a stark departure from the look made famous by David Suchet.
Suchet, who was 43 when he first took on the role in 1989, sported a handlebar-style moustache with upward-curving ends. Bluemel's version, by contrast, features a straight moustache that closely follows his lip line, a look described as potentially unsettling for longtime fans.
Traditional costume, modern twist
Aside from the moustache, the new Poirot sticks to tradition: a grey-brown tweed suit jacket, a three-point folded pocket handkerchief, a Homburg hat, and neatly curled hair.
Bluemel follows in the footsteps of not only Suchet but also John Moffatt, Peter Ustinov, and Kenneth Branagh, each of whom brought their own interpretation to the Belgian detective.
Origin story and cast
The six-part series will adapt three early stories from Agatha Christie's repertoire, serving as an origin story that explains the character's younger age. It will introduce Poirot's friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings and his early encounters with Scotland Yard's James Japp, as well as at least one nemesis.
Bluemel, known for My Lady Jane and Sex Education, previously appeared in Netflix's adaptation of Seven Dials. He is joined by a cast including Henry Ashton, Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, Calvin Demba, Guy Remmers, and Mawaan Rizwan.
Speaking about his casting, Bluemel 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.'
Hercule is set to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer in 2027.
