Just when you thought that the ensemble set to bring Murder on the Orient Express to the big screen couldn’t get any better, in struts Penelope Cruz. That’s according to Deadline, who tell us that the gorgeous actress is now set to join Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Michael Pena, Judi Dench and Josh Gad in Kenneth Branagh‘s upcoming adaptation.
Based on the beloved 1934 novel by Agatha Christie, the film tells the story of “an American businessman who’s murdered aboard the titular train and the investigator that tries to solve the murder, finding out eventually that 13 people all had something to do with the murder victim.”
Given that this is one of Christie’s most celebrated works, and that it was already adapted into an excellent movie back in 1974 by Sidney Lumet, most people are already pretty familiar with the events that take place. Still, Branagh’s version of the story is shaping up to be a promising adaptation and it’s one that’s shot right up to the top of our most anticipated list.
After all, the film boasts a truly remarkable mix of established screen actors and rising stars, and it’ll be fascinating to see how they intermingle as the Orient Express makes its long journey from Istanbul – then known as Constantinople – to Paris. Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, Mark Gordon are among the producers attached, so we’re expecting something pretty special.
Murder on the Orient Express is barrelling down on its November 17, 2017 release date. Production is set to grind into motion some time this month, so be sure to stay tuned for more.