AceShowbiz -

Angelina Jolie is in talks to star in Kenneth Branagh's movie adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel "Murder on the Orient Express". If the deal is sealed, the actress will join the cast as Mrs. Harriet Hubbard, one of the suspects played by Lauren Bacall in the 1974 adaptation.

"Murder on the Orient Express" centers on Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who is called into action after an American tycoon is found murdered. The victim's been stabbed multiple times in his locked compartment inside the luxurious Orient Express. With a killer in the midst during a terrible snowstorm, Poirot must identify the murderer before there is another victim.

Branagh will direct the film and star as Poirot. He will also produce the movie along with Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, Mark Gordon, Michael Schaefer and Aditya Sood. James Prichard and Hilary Strong will executive produce. Michael Green ("Blade Runner 2") will pen the script, with Steve Asbell overseeing the production for 20th Century Fox.

Christie's classic is known for its complicated plot and unconventional solution. The story was first published in 1934. It's been adapted numerous times for TV and film, including the 1974 film with Albert Finney in the lead role and a cast that included Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman and Sean Connery.

The upcoming adaptation marks a change of pace for the "Maleficent" actress following her recent focus on directing career. Jolie directed "Unbroken" and "By the Sea". In the latter film, she also starred opposite her husband Brad Pitt. She is currently in post-production for "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" for Netflix.