A new six-part BBC series titled "Hercule" is set to begin filming in Liverpool, exploring the early life of Agatha Christie's famed detective, Hercule Poirot. Edward Bluemel, 33, will portray the youngest-ever Poirot, a departure from previous adaptations that introduced the character as a middle-aged man.
The series will focus on Poirot's backstory, depicting him leaving the Belgian police force to establish his private detective business in London. It is also expected to touch upon his origins and initial encounters with characters like Inspector Japp and Captain Hastings.
While not explicitly addressed, the show is described as hinting at Poirot's subtle sexual fluidity, suggesting potential attractions to both men and women. A source close to the production stated that while the question of his sexuality is explored, it is not a central focus and the character will not be depicted in romantic relationships within the series.
Christie herself never detailed Poirot's love life in her novels. In the 1940 book "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," the detective was noted to be fascinated by jewel thief Countess Rossakoff. David Suchet, who played Poirot for over two decades, previously stated that the character was "not actually sexual at all," rather than gay.
Kenneth Branagh, who directed and starred as Poirot in recent films, introduced a tragic backstory involving the loss of a female love interest during wartime. The new BBC series, slated for release next year, aims to present an "intimate study of Hercule Poirot the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars."
Among the announced cast members are James Nesbitt, Tamsin Greig, Jack Gleeson, and Mawaan Rizwan. Bluemel, a Rada graduate known for his roles in "Killing Eve" and "My Lady Jane," expressed his gratitude for being entrusted with the iconic character. Agatha Christie's great-grandson, James Prichard, has voiced his anticipation for Bluemel's performance and Benji Walters' scripts.