'Murder on the Orient Express' remake release date, latest news: Willem Dafoe joins star-studded cast

Another acclaimed Hollywood actor is set to board on the upcoming film adaptation of Agatha Christie's acclaimed mystery novel "Murder on the Orient Express."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Willem Dafoe (known for his portrayals in films such as "John Wick," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and "Spider-Man) will be joining the all-star cast of 20th Century Fox's film remake of "Murder on the Orient Express." There are speculations that say he will play a passenger on the train who sells typewriting ribbons but who also may have a deeper connection with the murder victim.

On the other hand, Deadline reports that Dafoe will be playing an undercover detective named Gerhard Hardman, probably based on one of the original novel characters named Cyrus Hardman.

The film will be directed by Kenneth Branagh, who will also star as detective Hercule Poirot. The ensemble cast also includes other big Hollywood names such as Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Oscar winner Judi Dench, Lucy Boynton, Tom Bateman, Tony winner Derek Jacobi, Michael Pena, Josh Gad, "Hamilton" star Leslie Odom, Jr., and Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz.

Branagh, along with Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, and Mark Gordon, will be producing the upcoming "Murder on the Orient Express" movie. Michael Green ("Blade Runner 2") wrote the screenplay while Steve Asbell will be supervising the films' production for Fox. James Prichard and Hilary Strong of Agatha Christie Ltd. will be serving as its executive producers.

Published in 1934, Agatha Christie's iconic novel is considered as one of the most ingenious stories ever written. The plot of the novel surrounds on a murder committed on board the famous train, with Belgian detective Hercule Poirot assigned to solve it. Because the crime was committed on the train, there are a number of passengers under investigation, and one of them could possibly be the murderer.

A film adaptation was also produced back in 1974, starring Albert Finney, which was met with critical acclaim. It is currently rated at 95 percent by Rotten Tomatoes.

The upcoming remake "Murder on the Orient Express" is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.