Agatha Christie’s Great-Grandson Wants to Bring Back Iconic Character

The world of classic whodunits just got a little more exciting… Miss Marple is making a comeback! Agatha Christie’s great-grandson, James Pritchard, is leading the charge to bring the beloved amateur sleuth back to the screen. While Poirot has gotten plenty of attention over the years, Pritchard is ready to shine a light on St. Mary Mead’s sharpest mind once again.

Miss Marple Deserves the Spotlight

For decades, Miss Marple has been a quiet but undeniable force in crime fiction. She may not have the flashy mustache or Belgian accent of Poirot, but her unassuming demeanor and razor-sharp deduction skills have made her an icon in her own right. From Joan Hickson’s definitive portrayal to more recent adaptations starring Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie, the character has proven time and time again that she doesn’t need a badge or a title to solve a murder; just a keen eye and an understanding of human nature.

Pritchard has been working behind the scenes for years to revive Miss Marple’s legacy, admitting, “I’ve been trying to get something for Miss Marple off the ground for a very long time,” he told Radio Times. He reread the stories a few years back and was reminded just how brilliant they are. And he’s got a point, while Miss Marple is often lumped into the feel-good murder category, her stories are far from fluffy. Christie’s writing is full of sharp wit, layered mysteries, and yes, a touch of humor.

A Modern Take Without Losing the Magic

So what’s the plan? Pritchard wants to bring Miss Marple back in a way that does justice to Christie’s original vision while making her stories accessible to a new generation. He’s aware of the delicate balance required, honoring the past without feeling outdated or out of place.

One thing he’s clear on? He’s not a fan of the recent trend of making Christie’s adaptations overly dark. “I hate the phrase ‘cosy crime’ and I don’t think it’s what my great-grandmother wrote, but her books had humour and I don’t think everything needs to be as dark as Sarah [Phelps, screenwriter] made it,” he explained in that same interview with Radio Times.

That’s a reassuring take for longtime fans. Miss Marple stories have never needed shock value to be compelling. Their strength lies in the intelligence of the mysteries, the richness of the characters, and the simple brilliance of a woman who sees what others overlook.

The Enduring Appeal of Miss Marple

Pritchard also touched on something important: Christie may not have considered herself a feminist, but Miss Marple is a quietly powerful character. She’s an older woman in a world that often underestimates her, proving time and time again that wisdom and experience are invaluable.

Bringing Miss Marple back isn’t just about nostalgia… it’s about reminding people why she’s one of the greatest detectives in fiction. No matter who takes on the role, one thing is clear: St. Mary Mead is about to get a whole lot more interesting again.

In The Meantime…

While we wait to see where Miss Marple will end up, fans of Agatha Christie can enjoy “Toward Zero,” another book adaptation in mini-series format, which premieres on Sunday, March 2, 2025 on BBC One and iPlayer.