Freddie Highmore is stepping into one of the most intriguing roles of his career as he prepares to portray a reimagined Edgar Allan Poe in an upcoming Paris-set series from Gaumont. The project, currently in active development, marks a striking new chapter for the British actor best known for The Good Doctor and Bates Motel, signaling his continued ambition to take on complex, unconventional characters.
The series, described as a period detective drama with psychological undertones, transports viewers to mid-19th-century Paris, a city of foggy boulevards, political unrest, and artistic revolution. In this fictional retelling, Poe travels to France during a turbulent period of his life, only to find himself entangled in a web of mysteries that blur the line between imagination and reality. The show’s creators hint at a story infused with gothic atmosphere, clever detective work, and emotional depth — all of which play directly into Highmore’s strengths as a performer.
For Highmore, the role of Poe is both unexpected and perfectly timed. After years portraying emotionally layered characters, he now has the opportunity to embody a literary icon known for his brilliance, eccentricity, and inner turmoil. Sources close to the production describe this version of Poe as a man haunted not only by the darkness of the world around him but by the shadows within his own mind. Highmore’s subtle, introspective acting style is poised to bring a fresh interpretation to the legendary figure.
Adding another layer of interest, the series is set to feature French-language dialogue — a challenge Highmore is well equipped to meet thanks to his fluency in multiple languages. This international dimension aligns with Gaumont’s recent push for globally appealing dramas that blend European artistry with broad streaming potential.
The project is said to center on Poe’s unlikely partnership with a sharp, resilient Parisian investigator named Augustine. Together, the pair navigate a string of unsettling cases involving secret societies, coded messages, and unexplained deaths. Their dynamic — both tense and intellectually charged — forms the emotional backbone of the series. Early insiders describe Augustine as a modern reinterpretation of Poe’s influence on detective fiction, making her not merely a side character but a driving force in the narrative.
Behind the scenes, Gaumont is assembling a creative team known for atmospheric storytelling and period authenticity. The series promises meticulous costume design, Parisian locations that capture the city’s haunting charm, and a cinematic tone that blurs historical drama with psychological mystery.
While the release date has not yet been announced, production is expected to begin after casting is finalized. Given Highmore’s international fanbase and the enduring fascination with Edgar Allan Poe, the series is already attracting considerable buzz in industry circles. If successful, it could become one of Gaumont’s most ambitious prestige dramas to date.
For now, anticipation continues to build as Freddie Highmore prepares to bring new life — and new depth — to one of literature’s most enigmatic minds.
