‘Murder On The Orient Express’ Remake Adds ‘Blade Runner’ Sequel Writer
Over a year has passed sincewe last heard aboutthe 20th Century Fox remake ofMurder on the Orient Express. At that time several big name producers were attached – includingRidley ScottandSimon Kinberg– but no one else. So it took a while, but now there’s a writer too. It’sMichael Green, the TV vet who wrote the 2011Green Lanternand co-wrote the upcomingBlade Runnersequel. He’ll be tasked with putting a new spin on the 1934 novel byAgatha Christiewhich has been adapted numerous times, most notable in 1974 by Sidney Lumet. Read more about theMurder on the Orient Expressremake below.
Varietybroke the news of Green’s hiring. However, there’s no word how far he’ll go with the original Agatha Christie book. It’s possible the film is a period piece, or maybe a modern retelling. You’d have to think the former, because people simply don’t travel long distances by train anymore. The story, of course, is about a murder on a train and the detective who attempts to solve it among a slew of passengers.
For a clue, let’s mention another classic train murder mystery,Strangers on a Train.That’s also being remade(byGone Girlteam of Gillian Flynn, David Fincher and Ben Affleck.) However, that story is only set partially on a train and the new producers felt the idea of it was so archaic, they’re totally removing the train from the equation. In that film, the strangers will meet on a plane. It’s called simplyStrangers.
Which is to say, you can’t do an “Orient Express” movie and take the “Orient Express” out of it. I’m guessing this will be a period piece. Either way, it’ll be nice to have a potentially adult, high concept murder mystery out there.
What do you think about aMurder at the Orient Expressremake? Is Green the right person to write it?
