Murder On The Orient Express’ star-studded passenger list includes Michelle Pfeiffer

By Esther Zuckerman  |  September 29, 2016 | 8:16pm
Aux Features Film

Over the summer, Variety broke the news that Angelina Jolie would not be taking part in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express, despite earlier reports that she was in talks. Well, turns out Branagh has found another regal actress to play the role of Mrs. Hubbard—that’s Michelle Pfeiffer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pfeiffer hasn’t been seen in a film since 2013’s The Family, but her career is revving up again with projects including a Darren Aronofsky film and an HBO movie about Bernie Madoff.

THR reports that Branagh has also packed his train with a load of buzzy performers including The Force Awakens’ Daisy Ridley and Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr, playing Mary Debenham and Doctor Arbuthnot, respectively. Johnny Depp has been cast as murder victim Ratchett, Judi Dench as Princess Dragomiroff, and Michael Peña as Marquez. Also appearing: Tom Bateman, Lucy Boynton, and Derek Jacobi. And, of course, Branagh is keeping the plumb part, Hercule Poirot, to himself. “I’m honored to have this fantastic group of actors bring these dark materials to life for a new audience,” Branagh said in a statement to THR.

Since we’ve tried to avoid ridiculously corny train puns throughout this post, we’ll end on a doozy: Looks like this choo choo is ready to leave the station.

 
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