Actor and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Kenneth Branagh is returning to the world of Agatha Christie. He will once again don the epic mustache of the world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot, in the upcoming film, “A Haunting in Venice.”
Walt Disney Studios subsidiary 20th Century Studios announced the cast and details on the next installment in Branagh’s cinematic Agatha Christie saga this week.
Kenneth Branagh Brings An Epic Cast Together For ‘A Haunting In Venice’
Branagh is attached to direct and star in the upcoming sequel. Production is slated to begin later this month on Halloween. It’s appropriate as the subject matter is described by 20th Century Studios as an “unsettling supernatural-thriller.”
Additionally, the new film boasts an all-star cast for the upcoming production. Branagh will re-team with his “Belfast” star Jamie Dornan (“Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Robin Hood,” “A Private War”), Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Avatar: The Way of Water”), Tina Fey (“30 Rock,” “Mean Girls,” “Baby Mama,” “Date Night”), Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jude Hill (“Belfast”), Ali Khan, Kelly Reilly (“Sherlock Holmes,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “Yellowstone”), Emma Laird (“Mayor of Kingstown”), and Riccardo Scamarico.
Set in post-World War II Venice, Italy on All Hallows’ Eve, the celebrated detective Hercule Poirot must investigate a terrifying mystery. While retired and living in a self-imposed exile in the glamorous city, Poirot visits a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. After a guest is murdered, Poirot must solve another mystery set in a world of sinister shadows and secrets.
Speaking on the return to Agatha Christie, Branagh said via a press release, “This is a fantastic development of the character Hercule Poirot, as well as the Agatha Christie franchise.” He continued, “Based on a complex, little-known tale of mystery set at Halloween in a pictorially ravishing city, it is an amazing opportunity for us, as filmmakers, and we are relishing the chance to deliver something truly spine-chilling for our loyal movie audiences.”
“A Haunting in Venice” marks the third film adapted from an Agatha Christie Novel, from the same team behind 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and this year’s “Death on the Nile.” Branagh will direct the film from a script by writer Michael Green (“Logan,” “Blade Runner 2049”). Judy Hofflund is producing the film, with executive producers Louise Killin, James Prichard, Oscar-winning filmmaker Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, and Mark Gordon.
THE AGATHA CHRISTIE FRANCHISE CONTINUES
Branagh’s first foray into the world of Christie mysteries was 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” The film was a box office smash, making $102 million domestically and grossing $352 million worldwide.
The sequel, “Death on the Nile,” released earlier this year, did not do nearly as well, but it still managed to make $137 million worldwide. That was apparently enough to convince executives to green-light a third picture from Branagh.
What likely helped is Branagh coming off an Academy Award-winning victory for Best Original Screenplay for his semi-autobiographical story, “Belfast.” Two of his “Belfast” actors are actually part of the film’s cast in Dornan and Hill, who portrayed the Branagh-inspired character Buddy in the film. “Belfast” was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director.
“A Haunting in Venice” is expected to arrive in theaters later in 2023.
