An all-star cast, led byJohnny Depp,Michelle PfeifferandDaisy Ridley, is joining directorKenneth Branaghon 20th Century Fox’s new feature film adaptation ofAgatha Christie’s acclaimed mysteryMurder on the Orient Express, it was announced today by TCF president Emma Watts. In addition to directing the film,Branagh, a five-time Academy Award-nominee, will star as detective Hercule Poirot.Deppportrays Ratchett,Pfeifferis Mrs. Hubbard andRidleyplays Mary Debenham.
Oscar winnerJudi Denchportrays Princess Dragomiroff, whileLucy Boyntonis Countess Andrenyi.Tom Batemanplays Bouc, acclaimed stage actor and Tony winnerDerek Jacobiportrays Masterman,Michael Peņais Marquez, andHamiltonstarLeslie Odom Jr.plays Doctor Arbuthnot. The ensemble is nearly complete, but there are still a few key roles left to cast.Murder on the Orient Expressbegins production in November, in London. Here’s what director-starKenneth Branaghhad to say in a statement.
“Christie’sMurderis mysterious, compelling and unsettling. I’m honored to have this fantastic group of actors bring these dark materials to life for a new audience.”
Ridley Scott(The Martian),Simon Kinberg(The Martian,X-Men: Days of Future Past),Mark Gordon(Steve Jobs) andBranaghwill produce the film.Michael Schaefer,Aditya SoodandJudy Hofflundwill also produce.Michael Green(Blade Runner 2) wrote the screenplay, withSteve Asbelloverseeing the production for Fox.
Agatha Christie’s novel, published in 1934, is considered one of the most ingenious stories ever devised. It revolves around a murder onboard the famous train, and Belgian detective Hercule Poirot must solve the case - but there are a number of passengers who could potentially be the murderer.James PrichardandHilary Strong, both ofAgatha ChristieLtd., will executive produce. Here’s whatJames Prichardhad to say in his statement.
“It is always thrilling for us to see the stellar casting thatAgatha Christiefilm adaptations attract. It is fantastic to have Kenneth Branagh at the helm of this new adaptation ofMurder on the Orient Expressand we are extremely excited about the cast he is bringing aboard”
Chaired byJames Prichard, the author’s great grandson, and led by CEOHilary Strong,Agatha ChristieLtd has been managingAgatha Christie’s literary and media rights globally since 1955. Working with the biggest names in film, television, publishing, stage and now digital, ACL ensures that Christie’s work continues to reach new audiences in innovative ways and to the highest standard. Current projects include the forthcoming20th Century Foxfeature film adaptation ofAgatha Christie’s acclaimed mystery,Murder on the Orient Express, which five-time Academy Award nomineeKenneth Branaghwill direct and star in as Hercule Poirot. Through its production arm,Agatha ChristieProductions, the company has recently produced the acclaimed BBC One adaptation ofAnd Then There Were NonestarringSam Neill,Aidan TurnerandCharles Dance, and is now in production onThe Witness for the ProsecutionstarringToby Jones,Kim CattrallandAndrea Riseboroughalso for BBC One. In publishing, the company managed the global publication of two new Poirot novelsThe Monogram Murders(2014) andClosed Casket(released September 2016) both by bestselling crime writerSophie Hannah.
