A brand new version of Agatha Christie's iconic detective Hercule Poirot is heading to television screens, but this time without David Suchet, who portrayed the character for 25 years. The BBC is developing a major television series, with filming expected to commence this summer in Liverpool and the north-west of England.
New Adaptation in the Works
According to industry magazine Deadline, the BBC is committed to producing multiple episodes and up to three series of the new Poirot. The project is being developed by Mammoth Productions, known for other successful series such as Poldark and Endeavour. The BBC has declined to comment officially on the reports.
Previous Portrayals
David Suchet starred as Poirot in the long-running ITV series Agatha Christie's Poirot, which aired from 1989 to 2013. Over the years, many actors have taken on the role in various adaptations, including Albert Finney, Sir Peter Ustinov, Sir Kenneth Branagh, John Malkovich, Alfred Molina, and Peter Dinklage. The actor for this new BBC version has not yet been named.
Source Material
Poirot appeared in 33 novels and 51 short stories written by Agatha Christie, providing ample material for the BBC and Mammoth Productions. Netflix recently streamed a Christie adaptation, Seven Dials, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Mia McKenna Bruce.
David Suchet's Farewell
When Suchet bid farewell to the role in November 2013, he described his emotions as like a 'yo-yo going up and down.' He said, 'It's grieving. I'm saying goodbye to a character I've been and have got to know over 25 years… it's goodbye to a best friend.' In the final episode, his character shocked viewers by turning murderer, taking the life of a psychopath before writing an apparent suicide note and being found dead.
