Award-winning actor Kenneth Branagh will star in a new series
based on the acclaimed Kurt Wallander detective books, British
actress Julia McKenzie will become the new Miss Marple, and
David Suchet will reprise his signature role as the Belgian
super sleuth Hercule Poirot—all on this season’s Masterpiece
Mystery!
Based on the best-selling books by Swedish author Henning
Mankell, “Wallander” will launch Masterpiece Mystery! on
Sundays, May 10, 17, and 31 from 8-9:30 p.m.
In the bucolic but brutal seaside town of Ystad, Sweden,
Inspector Kurt Wallander has been solving heinous crimes for his
entire middle-aged career. In his first recurring television
role, Branagh brings the scruffy Swedish sleuth to life in a
trio of gritty cases, “Sidetracked,” “Firewall,”
and “One Step Behind.” A co-producing partner and
longtime fan of the novels, Branagh describes his character as
“wonderfully complex and compelling.”
“Wallander” will introduce PBS audiences to a stunning
part of the world—and a fascinating new detective, noted
executive producer Rebecca Eaton.
A feast for Agatha Christie fans is also slated for this summer
as McKenzie takes over the iconic role of spinster sleuth Miss
Marple in three new episodes of the fourth season of the popular
Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series. Suchet then follows as the
suave Belgian super sleuth in two new episodes.
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For further information contact Janet McGrath,
(309) 495-0593 or janet.mcgrath@wtvp.org
