Leslie Odom Jr. is in talks to join the cast of Kenneth Branagh’s remake of “Murder on the Orient Express” at Fox, Variety has learned.
Branagh will star as detective Hercule Poirot in addition to directing. Michael Green (“Blade Runner 2”) is writing the screenplay based on Agatha Christie’s novel, with Steve Asbell overseeing the production for Fox.
The film is based on one of Christie’s best known books, which was first published in 1934 and revolves around a murder of an American businessman on board the famous train — with multiple suspects.
Sidney Lumet’s 1974 version starred Albert Finney as Poirot and the cast included Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, Colin Blakely, Sean Connery, John Gielgud, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Michael York. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and earned Bergman an Oscar.
Branagh will produce the film with Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg and Mark Gordon. Michael Schaefer and Aditya Sood will also produce in some capacity. James Prichard, the author’s great grandson and chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd., and Hilary Strong, CEO at Agatha Christie Ltd., will executive produce.
Odom won the Tony Award this year for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in “Hamilton.” He departed the Broadway production last month.
Variety reported on Aug. 4 that Angelina Jolie had passed on an offer to star in “Murder on the Orient Express.”
Odom also appeared in the 2012 film “Red Tails.” He is repped by CAA.
