First look - John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot

The first sight of John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot came today with the release of a teaser image from the set of The ABC Murders, a new adaptation for BBC One and Amazon Studios. The image depicts Malkovich in costume as the Belgian detective and was photographed on location in Yorkshire, in the north of England, where the drama is currently being filmed.

Speaking about the character and the production, Malkovich said: “I’m honored to have been asked to play Hercule Poirot. It’s a role that’s been played by a number of excellent actors, and I am enjoying the numerous challenges this part presents. I have great respect for Sarah Phelps’ screenplay and hope to do both she and Agatha Christie’s creation some measure of justice.”

The producers have also revealed that 2018 Olivier Award winning actress Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter, Happy Valley), Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean, Legend), Gregor Fisher (Love Actually) and Poldark’s Jack Farthing (The Riot Club) will also join the previously announced all-star cast of Malkovich, Rupert Grint, Tara Fitzgerald and Andrew Buchan. Also joining the cast in guest roles are Karen Westwood (The Alienist), Lizzy McInnerny (The Crown), Anya Chalotra (Wanderlust), Eve Austin (In The Flesh), Christopher Villiers (Hetty Feather), Suzanne Packer (Keeping Faith), Michael Shaeffer (Rogue One), Cyril Nri (Cucumber), Henry Goodman (Genius: Einstein), Tamzin Griffin (A Fantastic Fear of Everything), Ian Pirie (Sunset Song), Shane Attwooll (Dark River) and Terenia Edwards (Peter Rabbit).

BAFTA-nominated writer Sarah Phelps returns to explore the 20th Century through Christie’s work. This time the setting is the 1930s; a time when the nation is dangerously divided and suspicion and hatred are on the rise. In the midst of this Poirot faces a serial killer known only as A.B.C. First the killer strikes in Andover, then Bexhill. As the murder count rises, the only clue is the copy of The ABC Railway Guide at each crime scene. Poirot’s investigations are thwarted at every turn by an enemy determined to outsmart him. If Poirot is to match his nemesis then everything about him will be called into question; his authority, his integrity, his past, his identity.

The ABC Murders is directed by Alex Gabassi (The Frankenstein Chronicles, El Hipnotizador) and produced by BAFTA-nominated Farah Abushwesha (Irreplaceable You, The Party).