Freddie Highmore, best known for his acclaimed performances in The Good Doctor and Bates Motel, is reportedly in talks to take on one of his most intriguing roles yet. The Golden Globe–nominated actor is being lined up to star as Edgar Allan Poe in Edgar & Augustine, a detective period series set in Paris during the mid-19th century—a time marked by social upheaval, political unrest, and artistic revolution.
If confirmed, the project would mark a fascinating career move for Highmore, who has built a reputation on bringing complex, layered characters to life. Poe, the legendary American writer and poet known for his gothic tales and melancholic genius, represents both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to step into the shoes of a cultural icon while leading a series that blends history, mystery, and psychological intrigue.
Set against the backdrop of Paris in the 1840s, Edgar & Augustine will reportedly follow Poe as he becomes entangled in a series of chilling investigations alongside a French detective named Augustine. The series aims to merge historical fact with fictionalized drama, portraying Poe not only as a literary figure but also as a reluctant sleuth navigating the darkness of both crime and his own troubled mind. The Parisian setting, with its cobblestone streets, shadowy alleyways, and revolutionary atmosphere, offers a rich canvas for the kind of atmospheric storytelling that Poe’s own works inspired.
Highmore’s potential casting is already sparking excitement among fans and critics alike. His track record suggests he could capture the duality of Poe—the brilliance of his intellect and the torment of his personal demons. In Bates Motel, Highmore earned praise for humanizing Norman Bates, a role that required balancing vulnerability with menace. In The Good Doctor, he has demonstrated emotional range and sensitivity while portraying a character on the autism spectrum. Both performances highlight his ability to dive deep into psychologically complex roles, making Poe a natural next step.
The series could also provide Highmore with an opportunity to expand his creative footprint. Beyond acting, he has been involved in producing and writing, showing a keen interest in shaping narratives that resonate with audiences. Edgar & Augustine seems tailor-made for his artistic sensibilities—part historical drama, part psychological thriller, and part detective mystery.
Should negotiations finalize, Edgar & Augustine would add another prestigious project to Highmore’s already impressive résumé. It also promises to bring Poe’s legacy to a new generation of viewers, reimagining the writer not just as a tragic figure of literature but as an active participant in stories worthy of his own pen. For fans of period dramas, gothic mysteries, and character-driven storytelling, Edgar & Augustine could become a standout addition to the television landscape. And with Freddie Highmore potentially at the helm, it might just be the performance that redefines his career yet again.
