Johnny Depp, Judi Dench among actors for Malta-shot ‘Orient Express’ remake

Actors Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Daisy Ridley, and Michelle Pfeiffer to join host of renowned actors for remake of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’

Renowned actors Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, and Judi Dench have joined the cast for the remake of Agatha Christie's novel 'Murder on the Orient Express', parts of which will be shot in Malta
Renowned actors Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, and Judi Dench have joined the cast for the remake of Agatha Christie's novel 'Murder on the Orient Express', parts of which will be shot in Malta

World-renowned actors Johnny Depp, Judi Dench and Michelle Pfeiffer could soon be in Malta for a brief stretch in the not so distant future to star in Kenneth Branagh’s remake of Agatha Christie’s classic novel Murder on the Orient Express.

The actors will join Daisy Ridley, Michael Pena, Lucy Boynton, Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr. in the thriller, Variety reported.

Shooting is expected to begin in November in London before moving to Malta.

The casting mirrors the A-list pedigree that characterized Sidney Lumet’s 1974 take on Christie’s 1934 mystery novel, which starred Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman and Sean Connery. The plot follows detective Hercule Poirot – who will be portrayed by director Kenneth Branagh - and his efforts to solve a murder case aboard the famous train.

Actress Angelina Jolie was touted to play Mrs Harriet Hubbard, a passenger deemed a suspect in the murder, but has since turned down the role. The role will now be taken by Michelle Pfeiffer.

Christie’s book, published in 1934, revolves around a murder on board the famous train. The film follows Belgian detective Poirot who’s tasked with solving the case — in which a number of passengers could potentially be the murderer.

Variety reported in 2013 that Fox was developing the project as a remake of Sidney Lumet’s 1974 movie, which starred Albert Finney as the genius detective investigating the murder of an American tycoon aboard the train.

The all-star cast of suspects included Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, Colin Blakely, Sean Connery, John Gielgud, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Michael York.

“Orient Express” was a commercial success, grossing $35 million in the U.S. It was also nominated for six Academy Awards, earning Bergman, who portrayed a Swedish missionary, her third Oscar — her first in the supporting category.

“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.”