Filming begins on Agatha Christie’s “Murder is Easy” adaptation

Scotland is the picturesque backdrop for the filming of “Murder is Easy,” a new two-part thriller based on Agatha Christie’s renowned novel. Produced by Mammoth Screen, known for successful productions like “The Serpent” and “World on Fire,” in collaboration with Agatha Christie Limited, which has brought masterpieces like “And Then There Were None” and “Death on the Nile” to life, the adaptation is a co-commission between BBC One, iPlayer, and BritBox International.

Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre skillfully adapts the enthralling story, while Meenu Gaur, known for her directorial prowess in “Zinda Bhaag” and “World on Fire,” expertly guides the cast and crew. FIFTH SEASON will handle international sales, ensuring a global reach for this captivating production.

Today’s announcement unveils a star-studded ensemble for “Murder is Easy.” David Jonsson, recognised for his performances in “Industry” and “Rye Lane,” takes on the role of Fitzwilliam, accompanied by the talented Morfydd Clark from “Lord of the Rings” and “Saint Maud” as Bridget. Penelope Wilton, renowned for her roles in “Downton Abbey” and “After Life,” portrays Miss Pinkerton, while Sinead Matthews from “Hullraisers” and “The Crown” portrays Miss Waynflete. The cast also includes Tom Riley as Lord Whitfield, Douglas Henshall as Major Horton, Mathew Baynton as Dr Thomas, Mark Bonnar as Reverend Humbleby, Nimra Bucha as Mrs Humbleby, Tamzin Outhwaite as Mrs Pierce, Jon Pointing as Rivers, and Phoebe Licorish making her screen debut as Rose.

The narrative is set in 1954 England, where Fitzwilliam encounters Miss Pinkerton aboard a train to London. Miss Pinkerton reveals that a notorious killer roams the seemingly peaceful village of Wychwood under Ashe. Dismissed by villagers as mere accidents, Miss Pinkerton knows better, but when she is later discovered dead en route to Scotland Yard, Fitzwilliam takes it upon himself to apprehend the killer before they can strike again. The story revolves around the chilling notion that for certain individuals, murder is an effortless endeavor.

James Prichard, executive producer for Agatha Christie Limited, expresses his excitement over the exceptional cast, stating, “Once again my great-grandmother’s stories have attracted some amazing talent. It is so exciting to see this group of actors embark on the re-telling of this great story. The concept of evil lurking in the quintessentially English village is a familiar trope, but what exactly it is that makes murder easy remains to be revealed.”

James Gandhi, executive producer for Mammoth Screen, said; “Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre’s amazing adaptation of Murder is Easy digs into the divides at the heart of post-war English society, and we feel so lucky that the village of Wychwood is going to be brought to life by a dream cast. With Meenu Gaur at the directing helm and David Jonsson playing the lead, this promises to be a thrilling ride!”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said; “With an intriguing central mystery and a fantastic creative team behind the camera, it’s no surprise that this new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit has attracted a who’s who of UK acting talent to bring Murder is Easy to the screen. BBC viewers are in for a treat that will keep them guessing to the very end.”

Reemah Sakaan, CEO of BritBox International, said; “With the combination of such a stellar cast, and source material that’s second to none, Murder Is Easy is set to be a huge draw for our international markets and a great addition to BritBox’s collection of much-loved Christie classics. We are delighted to partner again with Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited to adapt another gripping Christie title, over a year on from our successful launch of Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, as part of our further three project deal, working with such a world-class production team.”r triumphant launch of “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” over a year ago. Sakaan emphasises its commitment to delivering high-quality productions in its ongoing three-project deal.

“Mammoth Screen, in association with Agatha Christie Limited, produces “Murder is Easy,” which boasts Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre as the adapter, Meenu Gaur as the director, and Karen Kelly as the producer. Karen Lindsay-Stewart and Emily Jacobs serve as the casting directors. The executive producers include Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, James Prichard for Agatha Christie Limited, James Gandhi and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC, and Reemah Sakaan and Stephen Nye for BritBox International.

Filming for “Murder is Easy” is currently underway in Scotland. The series will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, while BritBox International’s streaming service will bring the gripping adaptation to audiences in the US, Canada, and South Africa.