Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley and Michelle Pfeiffer are set to star in Fox’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Kenneth Branagh is directing the remake of the 1974 mystery film. Ridley Scott of Scott Free and Simon Kinberg of Genre Films are producing with Mark Gordon and Branagh. Michael Green, who wrote the new “Blade Runner” movie for Scott, is adapting Christie’s 1934 detective novel.
Michael Pena and Judi Dench have also been enlisted to board the train.
The story follows gifted detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of an American tycoon aboard the titular train. Branagh will star as the detective, while Depp will play Ratchett, the murdered man.
Pfeiffer is set to play Mrs. Hubbard, a passenger aboard the train. Ridley will star as Mary Debenham, Dench portrays Princess Dragomiroff, and Pena is Marquez. Leslie Odom Jr., Lucy Boynton, Tom Bateman and Derek Jacobi are also part of the ensemble.
In June, it was reported that Angelina Jolie would star as Mrs. Hubbard, who was played by Lauren Bacall in the 1974 version. Sidney Lumet directed that most well-known adaptation of the famous book, which starred Bacall, Albert Finney as Poirot, Ingrid Bergman and Sean Connery.
“Murder on the Orient Express” begins production in London in November, and there are still a few roles that still need to be cast.
“Christie’s ‘Murder’ is mysterious, compelling and unsettling,” Branagh said in a statement. “I’m honoured to have this fantastic group of actors bring these dark materials to life for a new audience.”
Christie’s novel was published in 1934. James Prichard and Hilary Strong of Agatha Christie Ltd. will executive produce.