Daisy Ridley, Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer Join ‘Murder on the Orient Express’

Daisy Ridley Smiling at D23
Daisy Ridley of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ at D23 (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney)

20th Century Fox announced Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Johnny Depp, and Michelle Pfeiffer are confirmed to star in Murder on the Orient Express, a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic bestselling novel. Kenneth Branagh is on board to direct and Blade Runner 2‘s Michael Green adapted the novel for the screen. Branagh will also produce and star as Detective Hercule Poirot. Ridley, Depp and Pfeiffer join a cast that includes Judi Dench, Lucy Boynton, Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi, Michael Pena, and Leslie Odom Jr.

Fox says there are still a few roles yet to be cast before production gets underway this November in London. Ridley Scott (The Martian), Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Mark Gordon (Steve Jobs), Michael Schaefer, Aditya Sood, and Judy Hofflund are on board as producers. Agatha Christie Ltd.’s James Prichard and Hilary Strong are executive producing.

“It is always thrilling for us to see the stellar casting that Agatha Christie film adaptations attract,” stated Prichard. “It is fantastic to have Kenneth Branagh at the helm of this new adaptation of Murder On The Orient Express and we are extremely excited about the cast he is bringing aboard.”

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

The Plot: 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.

The Cast and Characters:

  • Kenneth Branagh – Hercule Poirot
  • Daisy Ridley – Mary Debenham
  • Johnny Depp – Ratchett
  • Michelle Pfeiffer – Mrs. Hubbard
  • Judi Dench – Princess Dragomiroff
  • Lucy Boynton – Countess Andrenyi
  • Tom Bateman – Bouc
  • Derek Jacobi – Masterman
  • Michael Pena – Marquez
  • Leslie Odom Jr. – Doctor Arbuthnot