Hollywood is falling in love with Agatha Christie again. Rival biopics about the famed mystery writer are in the works, and while 20th Century Fox is already gearing up a new take on “Murder On The Orient Express” directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, they got another filmmaker to do double duty on a Christie property.
Deadline reports that Ben Affleck will star and direct in an adaptation of “Witness For The Prosecution.” Affleck’s bud Matt Damon will be among the producers for this tale about a man who comes under suspicion when the woman who left him his fortune is found murdered. Christopher Keyser (“Party Of Five“) is penning the script; here’s the book synopsis:
When wealthy spinster Emily French is found murdered, suspicion falls on Leonard Vole, the man to whom she hastily bequeathed her riches before she died. Leonard assures the investigators that his wife, Romaine Heilger, can provide them with an alibi. However, when questioned, Romaine informs the police that Vole returned home late that night covered in blood. During the trial, Ms. French’s housekeeper, Janet, gives damning evidence against Vole, and, as Romaine’s cross-examination begins, her motives come under scrutiny from the courtroom. One question remains, will justice prevail?
Of course, as classic film fans know, the book was already brought to the big screen once in Billy Wilder‘s Oscar nominated film starring Marlene Dietrich, Tyrone Power and Charles Laughton. So, some big shoes to fill. But they’ve got time to get this right, as I can’t image Affleck will get to this until he’s done his Batman pic.