After more than a century of solving the most perplexing cases, Hercule Poirot is gearing up for another round of detective work. The iconic Belgian sleuth, created by Agatha Christie in 1920's The Mysterious Affair at Styles, is set to return in a new BBC series titled Hercule. This ambitious reboot aims to introduce Poirot to a new generation, who might only know him as the guy with the fancy mustache.
Poirot has been a staple of literature and screen for decades, appearing in 33 novels, two plays, and over 50 short stories. Now, the BBC is taking a fresh approach with a series that promises to be an intimate study of the man behind the detective. According to the network's synopsis, the show will focus on three of Christie's early stories, while also introducing Poirot to future friends, allies, and a particular nemesis. It's a deep dive into his origins, set against the backdrop of Britain between the wars.
The series is being written by Benji Walters, known for Obsession, and is expected to potentially span three seasons. While specific plot details are under wraps, there's no shortage of Christie's source material to draw from, ensuring a rich narrative tapestry.
Poirot has been portrayed by many actors over the years, most notably David Suchet, who played the detective on ITV from 1989 to 2013. More recently, Kenneth Branagh brought Poirot to the big screen in Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, and A Haunting in Venice, while John Malkovich offered a darker take in the BBC's The ABC Murders. Now, Edward Bluemel, known for Killing Eve, is stepping into Poirot's shoes for this new saga.
Bluemel will be joined by an impressive cast, including Henry Ashton (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), James D'Arcy (Oppenheimer), Calvin Demba (Supacell), Phil Dunning (Smoggie Queens), Jack Gleeson (House of Guinness), Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner), James Nesbitt (Cold Feet), Guy Remmers (The Buccaneers), Rebecca Rittenhouse (His & Hers), and Mawaan Rizwan (Juice).
Production on Hercule is set to begin shortly in Liverpool, England, with the BBC aiming for a 2027 release. This series is poised to be a major event for mystery fans, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved character. For those who enjoy classic detective stories, this is one to watch. And if you're looking for more detective fare, check out our ranking of the greatest classic detective novels.
The announcement comes as part of a wave of literary adaptations hitting screens. From Stephen King's Carrie returning as a series to new detective shows like Sherlock's Secretary, there's plenty for genre fans. But Hercule stands out as a deep character study, promising to explore the complexities of a man who has seen it all.
With a stellar cast, a rich source material, and a fresh angle, Hercule is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated series of 2027. Whether you're a longtime Poirot fan or new to his world, this is a journey worth taking.
