Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench Join Murder on Orient Express 

Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Pena have joined the ensemble for Fox’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.”

Lucy Boynton, Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi, and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr. are also on board. Kenneth Branagh will direct and also star as detective Hercule Poirot. Angelina Jolie was in negotiations in June to join the cast, but has since passed on the remake.

“Christie’s ‘Murder’ is mysterious, compelling, and unsettling,” Branagh said. “I’m honored to have this fantastic group of actors bring these dark materials to life for a new audience.”

Branagh, Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, Mark Gordon, Michael Schaefer, Aditya Sood, and Judy Hofflund will produce. Michael Green wrote the screenplay, with Steve Asbell overseeing the production for Fox.

Agatha Christie’s novel, published in 1934, revolves around a murder onboard the famous train. Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is tasked with solving the case that has numerous suspects among the passengers.

James Prichard and Hilary Strong, both of Agatha Christie Limited, will executive produce.

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Great, a new issue of Murder on the Orient Express. I saw years ago the original Agatha Christie movie with the great Detective Hercule Poirot. Very fascinating movie. The new cast seems exciting too with Miss Judi Dench and Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer. But don´t know about the role/part of Daisy Ridley. I saw her in Star Wars 7 and she was not very convincing. Her acting was very formal, not really great emotional in the key scenes. But I´m very excited about the rest of the staff.

I cannot wait for this. I love the source material and I love Branagh as both an actor n a director. The casting seems incredibly inspired, especially Pfeiffer as Mrs. Hubbard…it’s the best of all the female roles in the ensemble. The part has a lot of flash and some torment behind it. While the original is an undisputed masterpiece, this is going to be one to watch for sure!!

I’ve never seen the first one; I don’t like old movies, but I will watch because Johnny Depp is in it.

Please tell me that Depp is playing the dead man….