Filming is set to begin in June, with John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich, In The Line Of Fire, Dangerous Liaisons) leading an all-star cast as Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot.

Malkovich is the latest actor to take on the role of Christie's legendary detective. David Suchet famously portrayed the mustachioed investigator in ITV's adaptations of every novel and short story featuring the character written by Agatha Christie. He played the character on and off for 25 years, including the 1992 adaptation of The ABC Murders. Kenneth Branagh recently starred as Poirot in the big budget 2017 film The Murder on the Orient Express and is expected to reprise the role in the upcoming Death on the Nile film adaptation.

Alongside Malkovich will be Harry Potter alum Rupert Grint as Inspector Crome, Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman) as Franklin Clarke, Eamon Farren (Twin Peaks, Chained) playing Cust, Tara Fitzgerald (Game Of Thrones, Requiem) as Lady Hermione Clarke, Bronwyn James (Harlots) in the role of Megan as well as Freya Mavor (The Sense Of An Ending, Sunshine On Leith) as Thora Grey.

Bafta-nominated writer Sarah Phelps, whose previous work includes And Then There Were None and Witness for the Prosecution for the BBC, returns to Christie's work as writer and executive producer.

Set in the 1930s; the backdrop is a time when the nation is dangerously divided and suspicion and hatred are on the rise. In the midst of this Poirot faces a serial killer known only as A.B.C. As the murder count rises, the only clue is the copy of The ABC Railway Guide at each crime scene.

“The ABC Murders is a brutal story of violence and lies, the long shadow of the past and the slaughter to come,” said Phelps, “At its centre, one of the most familiar, famous characters in crime fiction. We may all think we know Poirot but do we really know Hercule?”

The three-part drama marks the return of Poirot to television and continues BBC One and Agatha Christie Limited’s unique production deal that will see Agatha Christie Limited and Mammoth Screen deliver six more Christie adaptations.

James Prichard, Christie’s great grandson, who serves as Executive Producer and is CEO of Agatha Christie Limited, said, “I am humbled by the quality of cast we have lined up for the show and I am most excited to experience the unique approach John Malkovich will bring to the role in this thrilling one-off television adaptation.”

Filming for the BBC One dramaThe ABC Murders begins next month. It will be directed by Alex Gabassi (The Frankenstein Chronicles) and produced by Farah Abushwesha (Irreplaceable You, The Party).