More Marple, Poirot Films from ITV Studios

LONDON: ITV has recommissioned Marple, with Julia McKenzie returning to play the title character, while David Suchet is set to reprise his lead role in a new set of films based on the remaining Poirot novels and short stories.

Three Marple films have been commissioned from ITV Studios and Agatha Christie Ltd. A Caribbean Mystery will be the first to roll out, set for filming in summer 2012. Two further titles, Endless Night and The Seven Dials Mystery, will be produced in fall 2012.

“It’s a huge privilege for me to play Miss Marple,” said McKenzie. “After such a successful career I was content to play guest roles, but then Marple came along. How could I not play her? I love her shrewd intelligence, and yet she has a warmth and a sweetness that is so disarming. I find it stimulating watching how her insights into human nature can unlock big complex mysteries. I’m delighted to be back.”

“We love re-visiting Marple because we know how much the ITV1 audience appreciate a good murder mystery,” said Laura Mackie, the director of drama at ITV.  “Its great news that Julia is to reprise a role she’s very much made her own. With Julia at the helm, we know we’ll attract another stellar cast to appear alongside her.” 

Damien Timmer, executive producer, commented: “We’re delighted to be producing three new Marple films for the ITV1 audience. We all adore working with Julia—she’s a consummate professional and she has the character of Jane Marple crafted to perfection.”

Michele Buck, also an executive producer, concluded: “We fully intend to maintain our reputation for adapting Agatha Christie’s fascinating stories to the highest standard and attracting a first rate guest cast.”

Mathew Prichard, the chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd and Agatha Christie’s grandson, said: “We look forward to three more Marple films with Julia McKenzie playing Miss Marple. These three are classic Christie stories and will be a treat for audiences all over the world.”

Also coming down the pipeline are a set of films based on the remaining Poirot stories. Labours of Hercules, Dead Man’s Folly, The Big Four, Elephants Can Remember and Curtain are set for production in 2012.

“I’m more than delighted to be reprising my role as Poirot. It’s been my life’s ambition to bring this amazing canon of works to completion on ITV,” said Suchet. “Poirot is a brilliant, yet profoundly complicated character and I’ve always loved playing him. He’s considerate, with a love of elegance and precision, but he is also so maddeningly frustrating to play as he’s so vain and pedantic! What endears me to him the most is his endless love of people." He added: “And for all his faults he is one of the greatest listeners in literature. I’ve been so fortunate to play him.”

“Poirot is without doubt one of fiction’s finest detectives and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to ITV1 with his refined approach to crime-fighting,” said Mackie. “We’re equally delighted that David has agreed to play him in the final Poirot films for the ITV1 audience and immensely privileged to be producing Curtain.”

Timmer commented: “The audience’s admiration for the character of Poirot has never faltered since ITV began producing the Christie stories in 1989. I’m thrilled we can repay this loyalty by producing these films for ITV1. In keeping with the tradition of Poirot we hope to attract a stellar cast which will make each film unique in the history of television drama.” 

Added Buck: “We can promise the final five Poirot films will be a fitting tribute to a much-loved literary character. When the ending comes it’ll be very dramatic and incredibly emotional. We’ve been on a remarkable journey with Poirot.”

Prichard said: “It is tremendous to renew our partnership with ITV and David Suchet as Poirot, and these five films will be a magnificent climax to over 20 years of David’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot.”