Not many films can claim to get more deliciously stylish than those based on famed writer Agatha Christie’s works; indeed, ever since Kenneth Branagh took up both Hercule Poirot’s shoes and the director’s chair back in 2017 with Murder on the Orient Express, the murder mystery author has gained unprecedented exposure to modern audiences (as though The Mousetrap needed any help in that department).
Now, the Thor director is set to do it once more with A Haunting In Venice, the second sequel to Murder on the Orient Express after 2022’s Death on the Nile, and judging by the upcoming film’s brand-new trailer, it looks like Christie’s renowned gumshoe will have a much spookier task on his hands this time around.
Written by Michael Green and based on Christie’s 1969 detective novel Hallowe’en Party, a haunting in Venice follows the third plight of the now-retired detective Hercule Poirot, who must slap his thinking cap back on after a guest is murdered at a séance he attends. Packed to the brim with ghosts of varying palpability, tension that looks tougher to cut than the unfortunate murder victim, and a rousing ensemble cast including Kyle Allen, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Camille Cottin, Jude Hill, Jamie Dornan, and Tiny Fey as Poirot’s ally Ariadne Oliver, this murder mystery just might pack a little more bite than we’re used to these days.
Branagh also serves as director and a producer, the latter role of which he also shares with Ridley Scott.
A Haunting In Venice will creep its way into theaters on Sept. 15.