Kenneth Branagh Casts Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh and More in ‘A Haunting in Venice’
The director/actor will be back as Hercule Poirot for his latest Agatha Christie adaptation, this time inspired by 1969 novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’.
Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ 'Death on the Nile,' a mystery-thriller directed by Kenneth Branagh based on Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel. Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
While ‘Agatha Christie adaptation.
With Michael Green – who wrote both ‘Death’ and ‘A Haunting in Venice’ as his next film.
The story this time, as opposed to sticking with the book’s title, adapts Christie’s 1969 novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’.
Set in post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is described as a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.
Naturally, Branagh and his epic (albeit fake) mustache will be back as Poirot, delving into another mystery. And he has, in keeping with the other two movies, assembled an impressive, eclectic ensemble.
Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'Death on the Nile.' Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Partly, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ will serve as a ‘Jude Hill (the young actor bringing to life a character based on Branagh’s own youth).
But that’s just the start. We can also expect to see Kyle Allen.
“This is a fantastic development of the character Hercule Poirot, as well as the Agatha Christie franchise,” Branagh enthuses. “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.”
“We are enormously privileged to continue our long collaboration with the incomparable Sir Kenneth Branagh and couldn’t be more excited by the bold new creative direction Ken, Michael, and the rest of the filmmaking team have taken with this latest film,” says 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell. “We also remain grateful to James Prichard and the rest of our friends at Agatha Christie, Ltd., for their partnership and for once again entrusting us with, as Poirot modestly calls himself, ‘probably the greatest detective in the world.’”
The director will start the cameras rolling on possibly the most suitable date possible – October 31, with shooting scheduled for Pinewood Studios outside London and on location in Venice.
No exact date has been announced, but ‘A Haunting in Venice’ should be scaring audiences in theaters next year.
Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ 'Death on the Nile,' a mystery-thriller directed by Kenneth Branagh based on Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel. Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
