With his laconic manner, heavy coat and trademark pipe, the character appeared in 75 novels and has previously been played on British TV by Rupert Davies and Michael Gambon.
Atkinson will star in two films being produced by Ealing Studios and Maigret Productions Ltd.
Set in the 1950’s in Paris, Maigret Sets A Trap, and Maigret’s Dead Man, will go into production in September 2015 and will be written by Stewart Harcourt (Love & Marriage, Treasure Island, Marple).
Maigret Sets A Trap is adapted from the Simenon novel “Maigret tend un piège.” The second film “Maigret’s Dead Man” is based on “Maigret et son mort.”
On his role as Maigret, Rowan Atkinson said: “I have been a devourer of the Maigret novels for many years and I’m very much looking forward to playing such an intriguing character, at work in Paris during a fascinating period in its history”.
ITV’s Director of Television Peter Fincham said: “Maigret is a prestigious commission and we’re delighted to be working with Maigret Productions, Ealing Studios and Rowan Atkinson, to bring these stories to screen for our viewers.”