Amazon Studios and the BBC have ordered a new adaptation of Agatha Christie classic “The A.B.C. Murders” with John Malkovich, Rupert Grint and Tara Fitzgerald in key roles.
First published in 1936, Agatha Christie novel “The A.B.C. Murders” is getting a new lease of life.
John Malkovich is to become the next Hercule Poirot, taking on a character previously inhabited by Kenneth Branagh, David Suchet, Orson Welles and Peter Ustinov, among others.
Joining him will be Rupert Grint, recognized worldwide for his success as Ron Weasley in the “Harry Potter” saga, who is to play Inspector Crome in the three-part series.
Tara Fitzgerald (“Game of Thrones”), Andrew Buchan (“Broadchurch”), Eamon Farren (“Twin Peaks”), Freya Mavor (“The Sense of an Ending”) and Bronwyn James (“Harlots”) are also named in undisclosed roles.
Alex Gabassi of “The Frankenstein Chronicles” and “Psi,” as well as HBO Latin America’s “Destino” and “O Hipnotizador,” is to direct.
Malkovich has twice been nominated for an Academy Award, the first as the blind Mr. Will in 1984 drama “Places in the Heart,” and the second as the antagonist in 1994 secret service thriller “In the Line of Fire.”
He starred as a version of himself in Spike Jonze’s head-spinning 1999 comedy drama “Being John Malkovich” and, more recently, has appeared in pirate serial “Crossbones,” animated comedy “Penguins of Madagascar,” Dylan Thomas biopic “Dominion” and oil drilling rig disaster movie “Deepwater Horizon.”