Poirot fans 'might hate' new adaptation, fears John Malkovich
The new take on Agatha Christie’s euro-sleuth Hercule Poirot has lost both the character’s thick Belgian accent and his infamous moustache.
US actor John Malkovich is playing the detective in the BBC’s new adaptation of Christie’s mystery novel The ABC Murders, which is set to air over Christmas.
But the Dangerous Liaisons stars has said he’s concerned that hardcore fans could ‘hate it’.
“There was a certain amount of convincing the Agatha Christie estate about this version, and I was involved in some of those conversations,” he told the Radio Times.
“There was never anything unpleasant or difficult.
“But obviously this is a very known and loved character, and there may have been some worries that we weren’t, as it were, saluting that.
“Poirot and Christie fans may just hate all this, I have no idea.”
Many view David Suchet’s portrayal of the character as the benchmark, having played the role for over 70 episodes from 1989 to 2013.
Malkovich added: “In our version Poirot has lived in England for 20 years and has made a very long and laborious effort not to seem too much like a foreigner and to speak English like an Englishman.”
In addition, the waxed moustache has been jettisoned in favour of a goatee beard.
The ABC Murders, first published in 1936, will also star Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint, Broadchurch’s Andrew Buchan and Tara Fitzgerald.
It’s been penned by BAFTA nominated writer Sarah Phelps, who also adapted the excellent Ordeal By Innocence, which aired on the BBC in April this year.
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