The first image of Edward Bluemel as Hercule Poirot has been released, confirming the 33-year-old actor as the youngest to take on the iconic role created by Agatha Christie in 1916. Known for his performances in Killing Eve and A Discovery of Witches, Bluemel will lead the BBC's upcoming adaptation, titled simply Hercule.
The six-part first series, expected to air next year, is set in the 1920s and tells the origin story of the famous detective as he first arrives in the UK from Belgium. Produced by Mammoth Screen, the company behind Poldark, the series is part of a three-series deal with the Christie estate.
An Ambitious Reimagining of Christie's Work
Described as an "epic portrait" of Britain between the wars, the series will spotlight three of Christie's most celebrated stories, including her first Poirot tale, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. It also charts Poirot's growing friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings and his early encounters with Scotland Yard's James Japp.
Bluemel, who has also appeared in We Might Regret This and My Lady Jane, said he was thrilled to have landed the role. "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."
Youngest in a Long Line of Poirots
Albert Finney was previously the youngest actor to play Poirot, taking the role for the 1974 film adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express at 37. David Suchet took on the role at 42 and played him for ITV until he was 67. Kenneth Branagh has played Poirot three times, starting at 55, while Peter Ustinov began his stint in 1978 at 57.
BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt praised Bluemel's audition, saying the team had been blown away by his "charm, dynamism and wit". "From the first moments of Edward's audition we knew we'd found the perfect actor for Hercule, with a performance that feels both fresh and exciting," she said. "Hercule Poirot is one of the greatest and most loved characters of all time, and bringing him back to the BBC is a real privilege."
Supporting Cast Announced
James Nesbitt has also been announced for his first TV costume drama role in the first series. Other cast members include Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner), James D'Arcy (Oppenheimer), Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones), Phil Dunning (Smoggie Queens) and Mawaan Rizwan (Juice).
James Prichard, executive producer for Agatha Christie Limited and the author's grandson, said Edward had been selected with great care. "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," he explained. "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."
