Casting announced for The ABC Murders BBC adaptation

Agatha Christie's classic title The ABC Murders is the latest novel to be adapted for the small screen, and an all-star cast is assembling to bring the 1930s story to life.

With filming due to start in June, John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich, In the Line of Fire, Dangerous Liaisons) will lead the cast as Hercule Poirot. Malkovich will be joined by Rupert Grint (Harry Potter, Sick Note), Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman), Tara Fitzgerald (Game of Thrones, Requiem), Eamon Farren (Twin Peaks, Chained), Bronwyn James (Harlots) and Freya Mavor (The Sense of an Ending, Sunshine on Leith). Further casting is yet to be announced.

The one-off, three-part drama marks the return of Poirot to television and continues BBC One and Agatha Christie Limited’s unique production deal that will see Agatha Christie Limited and Mammoth Screen deliver six more Christie adaptations.

The show will be adapted by BAFTA-nominated writer Sarah Phelps, who returns to explore the 20^th 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 will be directed by Alex Gabassi (The Frankenstein Chronicles, El Hipnotizador) and produced by BAFTA-nominated Farah Abushwesha (Irreplaceable You, The Party).

Broadcast dates to follow.