Despite internet rumours of his death last month, Robbie Coltrane is very much alive and kicking.
His excellent portrayal as the flawed character "Fitz" in "Cracker" showed that he can do more than a semi - comedy act e.g. the James Bond films.
Not wholly sure he has what it takes" to play Maigret but surely a better choice (for me, anyway) than Rowan Atkinson!
Perhaps, if you'd never read any of the books, Atkinson will come across well and will undoubtedly do a professional job.
I really can't see him doing it with a turkey on his head a la Bean but I'd watch the films.
Was it Mario Puzo who, when asked what he thought of the first "Godfather" film replied that it was like watching his prize bull being turned into a stock cube?
Maigret/Don Vito Corleone - same meat, different gravy (again, pun intended).