Last week, we got a glimpse at Edward Bluemel’s Hercule Poirot as Agatha Christie’s most iconic character is being brought back for a new series from the BBC. Now, with anticipation building, we have a first look at the actor during filming.
Under the working title of Hercule, the eagerly-awaited six-part series will centre around three of Christie’s early works, with the “world’s greatest detective” being at the centre of the drama.
While we don’t know which of the novelist’s famous stories are being adapted, we do have a first-look image from the set, with filming having taken place in Liverpool over the last few weeks.
MCPIX
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In the image, we can see Bluemel as the legendary Belgian detective, with the actor sporting a dapper suit and grey coat. He’s also wearing a stylish hat, and can be seen with the character’s trademark moustache.
The detective series is billed as an “intimate study of Hercule the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars”, with the action also depicting his burgeoning friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings.
The beginnings of Poirot’s working relationship with Scotland Yard’s James Japp will also be explored, while one of the detective’s nemesis will be introduced. Which one that is, however, remains to be seen.
Upon the series’ announcement in June, 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 Poirot is one of the greatest and most loved characters of all time,” added Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama at the BBC. “From the first moments of Edward’s audition we knew we’d found the perfect actor for Hercule.”
James Stack//BBC
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Executive producers Rebecca Durbin and Damien Timmer said that Hercule would be a “love letter” to Christie’s works as well as a “new perspective on an iconic figure”, and also praised the “extraordinary talents” of Bluemel and writer Benji Walters.
In addition to Bluemel, who is known for Killing Eve and My Lady Jane, the cast for the series includes Henry Ashton, James D’Arcy, Calvin Demba, Phil Dunning, Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, Guy Remmers, Rebecca Rittenhouse and Mawaan Rizwan.
Hercule is expected to air on the BBC in 2027.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.