Rowan Atkinson is to take on the role of legendary fictional French detective Jules Maigret.
The 60-year-old actor is set to star in ITV’s two upcoming stand-alone dramatic films ‘Maigret Sets A Trap’ and ‘Maigret’s Dead Man’ based on Georges Simenon’s novels.
The ‘Mr. Bean’ star said of his latest role: "I have been a devourer of the Maigret novels for many years and I’m very much looking forward to playing such an intriguing character, at work in Paris during a fascinating period in its history."
The films – which are set in the French city in the 50s – will be written by Stewart Harcourt from Simenon’s books ‘Maigret un piege’ and ‘Maigret et son mort’ and will see Atkinson play the dramatic role of the magnificently measured and insightful French detective.
The formidable character, with his laconic manner, heavy coat and trademark coat, first appeared in print in 1931 and will be brought to life on screen by the ‘Blackadder’ star with the help of producer Jeremy Gwilt and executive producers Barnaby Thompson, Ben Latham-Jones, Stewart Harcourt and the author’s son, John Simenon.
Thompson said: "Simenon was the godfather of the modern detective novel. We are excited to bring one of his greatest characters and the gritty life of Paris in the 1950s to the screen."
John Simenon added: "Maigret has been part of our family for almost nine decades, and we are bringing together one of the best-known characters in world literature with one of the greatest international stars. I have no doubt my father, like me, would have approved of Rowan’s casting and been very excited to see him inhabit his most renowned creation."
‘Maigret Sets A Trap’ and ‘Maigret’s Dead Man’ are scheduled to go into production in September this year.
Rowan Atkinson to play Jules Maigret
