More information about the upcoming third Hercule Poirot film has been disclosed, which is sure to excite fans of the franchise. According to Variety’s reporting, 20th Century Studios has confirmed that Kenneth Branagh will helm the next picture. A Haunting in Venice, a supernatural thriller based on Agatha Christie’s novel Halloween Party, will feature an all-star cast led by Branagh as detective Poirot, with Tina Fey (Soul), Michelle Yeoh (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once), Jamie Dornan (Synchronic), Kyle Allen (Rosaline), Camille Cottin (Call My Agent), Jude Hill (Belfast), Ali Khan (6 Underground), Emma Laird (John Wick: Chapter 2).
All Hallows’ Eve in post-World War II Venice is the setting for the film’s intriguing occurrences. After considerable convincing, Hercule Poirot goes to a séance where he is forced to dust off his sleuthing talents and uncover the truth behind a murder that takes place throughout the course of the evening. Poirot, who now leads a tranquil life after retiring on his own will, jumps back into action when it’s revealed that the palazzo where the séance will take place is haunted and conceals secrets that no one is willing to reveal.
After their Oscar-winning performance in the coming-of-age drama Belfast, Dornan and Hill will work with Branagh again.
Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile both had huge success with their respective adaptations, so it comes as no surprise that the teams responsible for both films have reunited for the third time. The film’s screenplay will be written by Michael Green again. Louise Killin and James Prichard serve as executive producers, and producers Judy Hofflund, Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, and Mark Gordon have all been brought on board.
20th Century Fox president Steve Asbell has said this about the upcoming film: “We couldn’t be more delighted about the daring new creative path Ken, Michael, and the rest of the filmmaking team have chosen with this next picture, and about the opportunity to continue our long partnership with the outstanding Sir Kenneth Branagh. In addition, we’re still thankful to James Prichard and the rest of our colleagues at Agatha Christie, Ltd. for their continued support and for entrusting us with the man who is “perhaps the best investigator,” as Poirot gently puts it.
The release date for the film is set for 2023. The first day of filming is scheduled on October 31, Halloween. Both Venice, Italy, and London’s Pinewood Studios will be used throughout production.