Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench Among Stars Boarding 'Murder on the Orient Express'

Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Peña 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.”

Production begins this November.

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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