Freddie Highmore is once again stepping into the shadows—but this time, not as a brilliant surgeon with autism or a haunted hotel heir. In a thrilling new TV series titled Augustine & Edgar, the celebrated British actor will portray none other than Edgar Allan Poe, the master of gothic horror and literary darkness.
The casting choice has already sent a wave of excitement across fan communities and literary circles alike. Known for his deeply introspective and emotionally layered performances, Highmore seems like a perfect match for the complex and troubled figure of Poe—a man whose legacy is stained with sorrow, mystery, and an unmatched ability to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.
Augustine & Edgar is not your typical biopic or period drama. Described as a dark historical thriller, the series blends fact with fiction, using Edgar Allan Poe’s real-life persona as a springboard into a richly imagined world.
Set in 1840s America, the series reportedly follows a young Poe (played by Highmore) as he is reluctantly drawn into a series of gruesome murders that mirror the themes and styles of his own macabre writing. Alongside him is Augustine, a fictional detective loosely inspired by the characters in Poe’s own short stories—particularly C. Auguste Dupin, widely considered the first fictional detective in literary history.
Freddie Highmore is no stranger to complexity. From his chilling portrayal of Norman Bates in Bates Motel to his heartfelt and cerebral performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor, Highmore has built a career on portraying characters who are both brilliant and broken.
It’s easy to see the parallels between those roles and the character of Edgar Allan Poe. Both Poe and Highmore’s past characters have been deeply introspective, emotionally volatile, and tormented by the ghosts of their past. In many ways, Highmore has been preparing to play someone like Poe for years.
Moreover, Highmore’s innate ability to balance sensitivity with intensity makes him a compelling fit for the legendary writer. Poe wasn’t just a horror icon—he was also a man of exquisite poetic talent, romantic longing, and existential despair. To embody him fully requires not just darkness, but depth. And Highmore has both.
The gothic genre has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years—thanks in part to shows like The Haunting of Hill House, Penny Dreadful, and The Fall of the House of Usher (ironically, also inspired by Poe). But Augustine & Edgar promises something different: a blend of detective noir, supernatural horror, and literary homage.
According to the showrunners, the series will also include dramatized versions of Poe’s famous stories—like The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, and The Pit and the Pendulum—weaved into the fabric of the narrative. These episodes will blur the line between Poe’s fiction and his real life, asking whether the horrors he imagined were just stories—or prophecies.
Expect fog-drenched alleyways, candlelit interrogation rooms, and a constant sense of dread. The show is reportedly being filmed in moody historical locations across Eastern Europe to capture the gothic ambiance authentically.
Born in 1809, Edgar Allan Poe was a poet, editor, and literary critic—but he is best remembered as the godfather of gothic fiction. His work laid the foundation for modern horror, detective fiction, and psychological thrillers. Stories like The Raven, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Masque of the Red Death remain cultural touchstones nearly 200 years after their publication.
But his personal life was marked by tragedy. Orphaned at a young age, Poe struggled with poverty, the early death of his wife Virginia, and a lifelong battle with depression and addiction. He died under mysterious circumstances in 1849 at the age of 40, with many theories—ranging from alcohol poisoning to political kidnapping—swirling around his demise.
Since the announcement, literary fans and TV buffs alike have taken to social media with excitement: “Freddie Highmore as Edgar Allan Poe? This is casting perfection.” “This is the Poe series I didn’t know I needed!” “Between the period setting, the literary references, and Freddie’s acting, this could be the next Sherlock.” Critics have also speculated that Augustine & Edgar could be a breakout hit—especially if it captures the same moody brilliance that made Bates Motel and The Good Doctor so emotionally gripping. With a strong narrative structure and rich visuals, the show has the potential to reintroduce Poe to a new generation in a way that’s both accessible and artful.
The series is being developed by a team of seasoned showrunners who have worked on period dramas and psychological thrillers. The executive producers have hinted at a multi-season arc, suggesting that if the show is successful, we could see several years of dark, poetic mystery unraveling on screen. Production is set to begin later this year, with a premiere date expected in mid-to-late 2026. While no other casting has been confirmed yet, reports suggest that the search is underway for the role of Augustine—a character who will serve as both a foil and reluctant ally to Poe.
Freddie Highmore stepping into the shoes of Edgar Allan Poe feels almost poetic. It’s not just a casting decision—it’s a convergence of talent and theme, of actor and myth. Highmore brings with him years of experience portraying emotionally complex individuals, and with Poe, he’s been given a canvas rich in literary tragedy, psychological nuance, and historical mystery.
Augustine & Edgar isn’t just another biopic—it’s an immersive journey into the mind of one of literature’s most enigmatic figures. And with Highmore at the helm, we’re in for something special.
