John Malkovich to play Hercule Poirot in The ABC Murders

John Malkovich and Rupert Grint will star in a TV adaptation of Agatha Christie\'s \'The ABC Murders\'.

The \'Dangerous Liasons\' actor will take on the role of Hercule Poirot in the BBC One drama, with \'Harry Potter\' star Rupert set to play Inspector Crome in the three-part programme, which will be penned by writer Sarah Phelps.

She said: "Set in the seething, suspicious early 1930s, \'The ABC Murders\' is a brutal story of violence and lies, the long shadow of the past and the slaughter to come.

"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?"

In the tale, Poirot faces a serial killer known as A.B.C., with the only initial clue to his murder spree being a copy of The ABC Railway Guide he leaves at each crime scene.

Andrew Buchan will star as Franklin Clarke, Eamon Farren is to play Cust, and Tara Fitzgerald will portray Lady Hermione Clarke in the drama, which is due to start filming in June.

James Prichard, executive producer and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited, said: "\'The ABC Murders\' is one of my great grandmother\'s most unsettling and intense stories and Hercule Poirot one of her most intriguing characters.

"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."

Bronwyn James will star as Megan and former \'Skins\' actress Freya Mavor will play Thora Grey.

Alex Gabassi will direct the project with Sarah, Damien Timmer, Helen Ziegler, James Prichard, Basi Akpabio and Elizabeth Kilgarriff set to executive produce.