Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is a character of incomparable charm, wit, and intelligence. If you’re a fan of the mystery genre and you haven’t yet read any of Christie’s novels starring the fussy little man, now is a great time to start!
What is Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot?
Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot is one of the most iconic fictional detectives of all time. He has been played by some of the world’s most famous actors, including Peter Ustinov, Albert Finney, and John Malkovich.
Poirot is a Belgian detective who uses his “little grey cells” to solve crimes. He is known for his impeccable manners, dapper appearance, and catchphrase, “one cannot be too careful.”
Christie wrote 33 novels and 54 short stories featuring Poirot. He has appeared on film and television numerous times, in both adaptations of Christie’s work and original stories.
Ustinov won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Poirot in 1974’s Murder on the Orient Express. Finney was nominated for an Oscar for his turn in 1978’s Death on the Nile. Malkovich starred in the 2017 Agatha Christie adaptation Murdered on the Orient Express.
The Major Actors Who Played Poirot
David Suchet is the actor who is most associated with the role of Hercule Poirot. He played the character on the long-running British TV series “Agatha Christie’s Poirot” from 1989 to 2013.
Other actors who have played Poirot include Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Tony Randall, and Ian Holm.
The Different Adaptations of Poirot
In the world of literature, there are few characters more iconic than Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. The Belgian detective has been played by a number of actors over the years, each with their own take on the character.
David Suchet is perhaps the most well-known actor to play Poirot, having appeared in the role for over 20 years. Suchet’s portrayal of the character is often considered to be the definitive one, and he has won numerous awards for his performance.
Other actors who have played Poirot include Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Tony Randall, Ian Holm, and John Malkovich. Each actor brought something unique to the role, and helped to create a different adaptation of Poirot.
Why Dreamworks Bought the Rights to Adapt the Novels
When it was announced that Dreamworks had acquired the rights to adapt Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels into a film, many were surprised. After all, the character of Poirot is so closely associated with actor David Suchet, who played him for 25 years on the popular TV series “Agatha Christie’s Poirot.”
There are a number of reasons why Dreamworks may have chosen to adapt the novels, instead of developing a new story featuring the character. For one, the Christie novels are extremely popular and have a wide appeal. They offer a chance to tap into an existing fan base, as well as introducing the characters to a new generation.
Another reason is that Suchet’s portrayal of Poirot is so iconic that it would be difficult to find another actor who could step into his shoes and do justice to the role. By adapting the novels, Dreamworks can avoid this issue altogether.
It will be interesting to see how Dreamworks chooses to approach the material and whether or not they will stay true to Christie’s vision. Either way, it should make for an entertaining film.
