When it comes to mystery stories, Murder on the Orient Express holds its own as one of the very best in the category.

First conceived as a novel by acclaimed author Agatha Christie in 1934, it has gone on to spawn various adaptions on stage as well as television and an Oscar-winning film.

The successful mystery drama is now set for a big-screen return via the involvement of British actor/filmmaker Kenneth Branagh (Henry V, Thor). As well as directing the new version, Branagh will also be starring in the lead role of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

The plot centres on a murder that takes place on the Orient Express which results in Poirot questioning all the passengers on board.

To add to the excitement, 20th Century Fox have announced that the film will feature some big names as they look to repeat the success of Sidney Lumet’s 1974 classic which starred the likes of Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery and an award-winning Ingrid Bergman.

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean series, Finding Neverland, Black Mass) will play the key part of Ratchett, whose death sparks the crucial investigation.

Fresh from her cinematic breakthrough role as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the lovely Daisy Ridley has been cast as Mary Debenham. Daisy is in good company as that role was previously played by Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Chastain.

Dame Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love, Skyfall) appears as Princess Dragomiroff while Michelle Pfeiffer (Scarface, What Lies Beneath) and Michael Pena (Ant-Man, The Martian) portray Mrs Hubbard and Marquez respectively.

The rest of the ensemble cast includes Derek Jacobi (The King’s Speech, Vicious), Lucy Boynton (The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Sing Street), Tom Bateman (The Tunnel, Jekyll & Hyde) and Leslie Odom Jr (Red Tails, Smash).

Angelina Jolie was originally attached to the project but eventually decided to pass. Probably for the best given her current situation at home!

Production will start in November with a release date likely to be between late 2017 and early 2018.