The BBC and BritBox have expanded the ensemble cast for their upcoming six-part detective drama Hercule as principal photography officially gets underway in Liverpool. Former Death in Paradise star Ralf Little joins the production alongside lead actor Edward Bluemel, who takes on the iconic role of the legendary Belgian detective.
Produced by Mammoth Screen-a part of ITV Studios-and Agatha Christie Limited, the series adapts three early works by Agatha Christie. Alongside the previously announced Lord Edgware Dies, the broadcasters confirmed that Peril at End House will also be adapted for the high-profile project. The narrative explores the origins of Hercule Poirot as he arrives in Britain from Belgium and encounters key companions, future allies, and a formidable nemesis.
An All-Star Lineup Joins the Production
Edward Bluemel stars as the titular investigator, making him the youngest actor to portray Hercule Poirot on screen. Joining Bluemel and Ralf Little in the newly expanded lineup are Jessica Alexander, Honor Swinton Byrne, Omari Douglas, Paul Forman, Arthur Hughes, River Medway, Katherine Parkinson, Natalie Quarry, and Toby Stephens.
This star-studded wave of talent joins a previously announced cohort featuring Henry Ashton, James D’Arcy, Calvin Demba, Phil Dunning, Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, Guy Remmers, Rebecca Rittenhouse, and Mawaan Rizwan. Character details and specific roles for the newly added cast members remain strictly under wraps.
Behind the Scenes of Hercule
Billed as an intimate study of Poirot the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars, the six-part series is written by Benji Walters (Code of Silence, The Leopard, Obsession). Charlie Palmer serves as series producer. Directing duties are split across the six hour-long episodes:
- Opening Episodes (1 & 2): Directed by Jonny Campbell
- Middle Episodes (3 & 4): Directed by Chanya Button
- Final Episodes (5 & 6): Directed by Alrick Riley
Executive producers include Benji Walters and Jonny Campbell, James Prichard for Agatha Christie Limited, Rebecca Durbin and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, Nick Lambon for the BBC, and Robert Schildhouse, Jon Farrar, and Stephen Nye for BritBox. Global distribution is handled by Fifth Season.
Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels have sold over 750 million copies worldwide, cementing the character’s legacy over the last century. Hercule is scheduled to premiere in 2027, broadcasting on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and streaming on BritBox in North America.
