Why Death On The Nile Doesn’t Set Up Another Murder (Unlike Orient Express)

Warning: SPOILERS for Death on the Nile‘s ending.

The end of Death on the Nile doesn’t set up another murder for Hercule Poirot to solve, and here’s why Kenneth Branagh didn’t tease a sequel like Murder on the Orient Express did. Following multiple delays caused by COVID-19 and Disney’s acquisition of Fox, Death on the Nile‘s long-awaited release gives audiences a chance to experience Poirot solving a new murder. The sequel tested his detective skills in a greater way with three murders to account for. In a surprising move, though, the Death on the Nile ending doesn’t set up Poirot’s next case.

Death on the Nile primarily revolves around Hercule Poirot trying to figure out who killed Linnet Ridgeway (Gal Gadot). However, multiple other passengers aboard the boat and part of her wedding party also die as the investigation continues. There are many twists in Death on the Nile‘s ending, but that doesn’t stop Poirot from successfully solving the mystery of who killed Ridgeway. It continues his excellent career that Murder on the Orient Express previously showcased, and yet it appears his days of being a detective could be over. The sequel’s ending teases Poirot pursuing love instead of another murder case, which puts the future of the Agatha Christie movie franchise in question.

Since Kenneth Branagh directly set up Death on the Nile in Murder on the Orient Express‘ ending, the decision to go in almost the opposite direction is a surprise. Poirot has shaved his iconic mustache to reveal his war scars and is pursuing a relationship with jazz singer Salome Otterbourne (Sophie Okonedo). This ending indicates that there was less confidence in Death on the Nile getting a sequel, as Branagh easily could’ve included a tease for one of Poirot’s 31 other book adventures. 20th Century Fox acted quickly to make a sequel after Murder on the Orient Express surprisingly made more than $350 million worldwide. With the likelihood of Death on the Nile replicating that success potentially low, Branagh and Disney may have decided to hedge against the franchise continuing and not directly tease a sequel that might not happen.

Branagh hasn’t openly discussed if he wants to make a Death on the Nile sequel with Hercule Poirot either. The decision not to include a straightforward tease of another murder mystery could be a sign that he’s ready to walk away. Not only does Branagh star as the world-famous detective, but he also directed both movies. Considering he is back in the awards conversation as Belfast brought him Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay Oscar nominations, he could refocus his attention elsewhere. If so, Death on the Nile wraps up Poirot’s story in an effective way.

Of course, there is also still the chance that Death on the Nile does get a sequel if it performs well enough at the box office or once it begins streaming. Agatha Christie’s book series gives Branagh plenty of options for stories to adapt next, and it would arguably be in the franchise’s best interest to change up the formula. The ABC Murders movie adaptation could be an excellent option for Poirot’s next murder mystery. Another tantalizing option is Five Little Pigs, also known as Murder in Retrospect, where Poirot investigates a murder that took place 16 years ago. That would really test just how great of a detective he is while allowing the franchise to deviate from some of the familiarity the first two movies share. However, it remains to be seen if Death on the Nile gets a sequel at all, as the lack of setup for one indicates audiences may have already seen Hercule Poirot’s final outing.

About The Author

Cooper Hood
(5627 Articles Published)

Cooper Hood is a news and feature writer for Screen Rant. He joined Screen Rant in late 2016 following a year-long stint with MCU Exchange, which came after first developing an MCU blog of his own. He graduated college in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Public Communication, with a minor in Media Production. Cooper’s love for movies began by watching Toy Story and Lion King on repeat as a child, but it wasn’t until The Avengers that he took an invested interest in movies and the filmmaking process, leading him to discover the world of film journalism. Every year Cooper looks forward to seeing the latest blockbusters from the likes of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, but also loves the rush to catch up on Oscar films near the end of the year. When he isn’t writing about or watching new releases, Cooper is a fantasy football obsessive and looking to expand his Blu-Ray collection – because physical media is still king! Follow Cooper on Twitter @MovieCooper.

See also  How to Complete the Sage Council Main Story Quest in FFXIV: Endwalker

More From Cooper Hood