Fox puts sequel to Murder on the Orient Express into development

Twentieth Century Fox's big-screen adaptation of Agatha Christie's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS was released earlier this month, and the studio is already in the midst of developing a sequel which would see Hercule Poirot return with another compelling mystery to solve.

Per THR, Twentieth Century Fox is putting "Death on the Nile" into development as the next film in its new Poirot franchise. Michael Green, who wrote MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, has returned to pen the script, and although THR says that there is no deal in place just yet, it's expected that Kenneth Branagh will return to reprise his role of Hercule Poirot as well as direct the sequel. "Death on the Nile" will find the famed Belgian detective on vacation in Egypt when he becomes involved in a love-triangle gone murderously wrong. As with MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, much of the sequel will take place in one location, this time on the Karnak, a paddle steamer touring Egypt along the Nile River, so get ready for another all-star cast and a few twists and turns as Poirot endeavors to crack the case.

Much like MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, "Death on the Nile" has been adapted for the big-screen before with Peter Ustinov starring as Hercule Poirot. The 1978 film also starred Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Angela Lansbury, Olivia Hussey, George Kennedy ,and Jack Warden.

Be sure to check out a review of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS from our own JimmyO, and let us know whether you'd be up for another installment in the comments below!