Just hours after it was revealed Johnny Depp is considering a role in the latest adaptation of Agatha Christie's crime story, it was announced the leading ladies had signed up, together with Michael Pena.

Branagh will direct the film and star as Christie's famous detective Hercule Poirot, who finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery while taking a cross-Europe trip on the Orient Express train.

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter Depp is keen to play Ratchett, the murder victim, in the movie.

The cast also features Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., Tom Bateman, Lucy Boynton, and Derek Jacobi.

Dench, who often appears in Branagh's films and theatre projects, will play Russian royal Princess Dragomiroff in the film.

"Christie's Murder is mysterious, compelling and unsettling," said Branagh. "I'm honoured to have this fantastic group of actors bring these dark materials to life for a new audience."

Branagh will also produce the film with Ridley Scott and Simon Kinberg.