How to Watch 'Agatha Christie Presents: The ABC Murders" on Amazon

In the latest incarnation of famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, actor John Malkovich stars in Agatha Christie Presents: The ABC Murders miniseries on Amazon starting February 1. The story is based on Christie's 1936 novel.

Amazon and the BBC co-produce the three-part whodunit.

Set in 1933, the story follows the beloved Christie fictional character—the dashing, wise Poirot, older with more grey in his hair. He receives letters threatening murder that are signed only A.B.C., in the Amazon description and trailer. When he attempts to share the letters with the police, Poirot realizes his old law-enforcement colleagues have moved on. But soon, of course, there is a murder, prompting the once-great detective to take on the case.

The killer first strikes in Andover, then Bexhill. As the body count increases, the killer leaves a copy of The ABC Railway Guide as his only clue. To complicate the investigation, one of Poirot's enemies outsmarts him at every turn.

Malkovich is one of 23 actors to have played Poirot, reported The Sun. Agatha Christie, prolific in writing 75 novels, continues to garner mega-fans in Britain and in the U.S. Poirot appeared in 33 novels, one play and 50 of her short stories.

Forbes called the latest version of The ABC Murders as a "gritty retelling of one of Christie's most enduring stories."

Sarah Phelps, executive producer and writer, told The Sun that the BBC adaptation includes intrigue concerning Poirot's character.

"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," Phelps said. "At its center, one of the most familiar, famous characters in crime fiction. We may all think we know Poirot but do we really know Hercule?"

Malkovich's performance begs comparison to Poirots before him, as TVInsider breaks it down. For starters, Poirot's famous dyed, waxed and curled mustache is missing in Malkovich's portrayal.

Nevertheless, TVInsider says, "Poirot purists, hang on to your bowler hats" as it previews the BBC version of the well-known sleuth. In the current version, Poirot is described as an aging, friendless has-been who solicits Inspector Crome's help.

Harry Potter fans will be happy to see Rupert Grint, who stars as Inspector Crome. Among other cast members are Eamon Farren as Cust, Michael Shaeffer as Sergeant Yelland, Freya Mayor as Thora Grey and Bronwyn James as Megan Barnard.

Most recently, actor-director Kenneth Branagh's remake of the Hercule-led Murder on the Orient Express (2017) played in the theaters to mixed reviews. Except for the CGI special effects, it's difficult to improve upon director Sidney Lumet's moody, star-studded 1974 version, which boasted the on-screen powers of Albert Finney as Poirot, Lauren Bacall as Mrs. Hubbard, Martin Balsam as Bianchi, Ingrid Bergman as Greta, Jacqueline Bisset as Countess Andrenyi, Sean Connery as Col. Arbuthnot, John Gielgud as Beddoes.

The ABC Murders is part of a February onslaught of Amazon Prime original TV shows and older films to hit its video streaming platform, as Forbes detailed.

Reportedly, Branagh is remaking Christie's Death on the Nile and will play Poirot again. Among those rumored to join him in the cast are Alfred Molina and David Suchet.

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