Death on the Nile: Kenneth Branagh's Agatha Christie follow-up

The holidays are over, but does it even feel like we’ve been away? One can never seem to leave one’s problems at home when faced with the niggling ping of emails and texts sliding through. Of course, the 1930s style equivalent (if you’re a private detective) is the advent of a murder just when you think you’re on a break.

Cue 20^th Century Fox’s next Agatha Christie adaptation, Death on the Nile. The directorial sequel to Kenneth Branagh’s polished Murder on the Orient Express is scheduled for 2020 release. This time, the climate is steamy rather than shivering, but the film promises equal doses of hair-raising tension and slick ‘30s charm.

What’s the Death on the Nile plot?

Hercule Poirot is trying to let off some steam on an African cruise, but finds himself whisked up in a murder case when a newlywed heiress dies on board. The detective must tie up ends before the boat docks and suspects are lost to the shore.

The contained setting of a ship promises maintained tension in film format – something more easily achieved on TV screens, as the BBC’s successful episodic Christie adaptations have proven. While Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express was polished to shining, CGI elements took this rather far. Maybe his next Christie, this time on water, will be a little grittier.

Who’s in the Death on the Nile cast?

Death on the Nile matches its predecessor both in star-studded cast and ridiculous moustache. Branagh will direct and reprise his role as a sandy-haired Poirot. Also joining are Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name) and DC and Marvel heroines Gal Gadot and Letitia Wright. Russell Brand is also rumoured to be making an appearance in a role that is yet to be confirmned. Hopefully this time around, the high-profile cast will have more breathing space to show what they can do, Branagh's mannered Poirot aside.

What’s the Death on the Nile release date?

Death on the Nile is released in cinemas on Friday 9 October. Watch the trailer below.