Emma Thompson joins BritBox’s new Agatha Christie drama

Two exciting new cast additions have been revealed for Hugh Laurie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? adaptation.

Based on Agatha Christie’s 1934 story, the scripts have been written by House star Laurie himself.

The actor is also directing, executive producing, and appearing in the upcoming mini-series.

BritBox’s exclusive three-part drama from the makers of Endeavour and World on Fire started shooting in June.

It’s now been confirmed that Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Love Actually) and Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge, War and Peace) will both be making special appearances in the show, playing British aristocrats Lord and Lady Marcham.

Emily Powers, head of BritBox North America, previously commented: “Hugh Laurie’s writing pays homage to the brilliance of the original Agatha Christie mystery while adding fresh wit, humor, and creativity that will appeal to all audiences.”

Executive producer Helen Ziegler added: “[Laurie’s] dazzling scripts take the mischief and cleverness of the original novel to a new level, and with Hugh sitting in the director’s chair, this really is going to be an authored treat for Christie fans everywhere.”

We’ve got two brand new behind the scenes photos from the filming of Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? here:

The official synopsis reads: “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? follows the local Vicar’s son, Bobby Jones (Poulter), and his whip-smart friend, socialite Lady Frances “Frankie” Derwent (Boynton) on their crime-solving adventure after they discover the crumpled body of a dying man who, with his last breath, gasps the cryptic question of the title.

“Armed only with a photograph of a beautiful young woman found in the dead man’s pocket, these amateur detectives pursue, and are pursued by, the answer to the mystery.”

Thompson and Broadbent will join previously announced cast members Will Poulter (The Revenant), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones), Miles Jupp (The Durrells), and Amy Nuttall (Downton Abbey).

The star-studded ensemble also includes Maeve Dermody (The Secret Garden), Daniel Ings (I Hate Suzie), Jonathan Jules (Small Axe), Alistair Petrie (Star Wars), Paul Whitehouse (The Personal History of David Copperfield), Morwenna Banks (Skins), and Joshua James (Black Mirror).

Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? will premiere exclusively on BritBox in 2022.

Emma Thompson scored a massive hit earlier this year as the villain in Disney’s Cruella.

Jim Broadbent returns to cinemas in The Duke next month alongside Helen Mirren.

From the director of Notting Hill, the movie tells the amazing real-life story of a taxi driver who stole a portrait from London’s National Gallery in 1961.

Poirot: The Complete Cases Collection box set is available on DVD on Amazon.