UK News
New Limited Series of Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Commissioned
Today BritBox North America, the streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV, announced its biggest original commission to date: the limited series, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? adapted by Hugh Laurie. The 3-part mini-series, an adaptation of the compelling Agatha Christie mystery which Laurie will also direct and executive produce, will make its global debut on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada in 2022. UK transmission will be announced soon.
Produced by Agatha Christie Limited and Mammoth Screen, whose previous collaborations include And Then There Were None, Ordeal by Innocence, The ABC Murders and most recently The Pale Horse, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? follows the amiable Bobby Jones and his whip-smart friend, socialite Lady Frances “Frankie” Derwent. On the hunt for a lost golf ball, unsuspecting Jones discovers the crumpled body of a dying man who, with his last breath, gasps the cryptic question of the series’ title. Armed with only a photograph of a beautiful young woman found in the dead man’s pocket, these amateur sleuths embark on a crime-solving adventure and prove surprisingly adept at unearthing clues. The levity of the duo’s wit and banter belies the danger they continuously encounter as they pursue the answer to the mysterious question.
I loved this book as a nipper and still do. The hairs on the back of my neck haven’t properly settled down from the first time I grasped the beauty of the essential mystery. Since then, I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with the characters, and feel immensely honoured to have been given the chance to retell their story in this form. I will wear a tie on set, and give it everything I have.
“I can’t overstate how excited we are to bring this new adaptation to life for the BritBox community,” said Emily Powers, Head of BritBox North America. “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. This extraordinary series is the perfect addition to BritBox, which is the home to the largest Agatha Christie collection.”
“We are very excited for this production of Hugh Laurie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? in conjunction with Britbox. Hugh has brought his own inimitable style and flavour to this work whilst at the same time being faithful to the original. I look forward to seeing this come to fruition,” said James Prichard, Chairman and CEO Agatha Christie Limited.
“Everyone at Mammoth Screen is thrilled to be working with Britbox North America and the inestimable Hugh Laurie, as writer and director, on this new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Why Didn't they Ask Evans?. His 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,” said Helen Ziegler, Director of Television and Executive Producer at Mammoth Screen.
Casting will be announced at a later date. Endeavor Content brokered the commission and will handle international sales outside of the UK, Ireland and the Americas.
About Britbox
BritBox has been commissioning Original programming since 2017, starting with The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco and most recently announced Hope Street, a new cozy crime series. In addition, the service showcases a substantial slate of co-productions including The Pembrokeshire Murders starring Luke Evans, Honour starring Keeley Hawes, There She Goes starring David Tennant and many more.
BritBox is available for $6.99 per month/69.99 per year—after an introductory free trial period—on Roku®, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4th Gen, Samsung, LG and all iOS and Android devices, Chromecast, and online at https://www.britbox.com. BritBox is also available on Amazon Channels for Prime members and on Apple TV Channels on supported devices.
