Like a fast train, the career of Mexican actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Magnificent Seven) continues its unstoppable march. His latest high-profile Hollywood film is MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, a lavish and star-studded adaptation of Agatha Christie’s most famous novel.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the always modest and candid performer about his experience in the anticipated whodunit.

The movie, directed by Kenneth Branagh, also stars Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Penélope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe, Leslie Odom Jr., Lucy Boynton, and Olivia Colman.

What was your connection with Agatha Christie before this project?

I had seen the play “Mouse trap” in the past, that has been running for years in London. We studied “Murder on the Orient Express” in high school, but I wasn’t a good student so I didn’t remember much. When I knew that I was going to do the film, I went back to the novel. I read it and I also learned a lot about Agatha. What an incredible woman! After Shakespeare and The Bible, her work is the most read in the world.

After being in movies like “The Magnificent Seven,” is it easier to work along so many legendary actors?

Yes, it gives you more tools to be able to relax. But in this film, I was starstruck by Judi Dench. My very first scene was in a cart, surrounded by the entire cast and with the camera on my face. I asked Kenneth “Why are you throwing me into the lion’s’ den?” I was very nervous! It was difficult for me to remember the lines and do the scene right. Obviously, the rest went better after that.

How was your experience with Hercule Poirot, the character, and Kenneth Branagh, the actor-director?

The entire cast was amazed by Kenneth’s ability to direct all of these actors, while playing such a complex character, with his huge moustache and mannerisms. What an incredibly talented man! During the scenes where he is interrogating me, I kept thinking “Is he judging me with detective eyes, or with director eyes?” That really helped to create the right atmosphere.

Would you like to direct and star in a film, sometime in the future?

That’s not for everyone. You really need a gift, and a lot of knowledge. I would love to direct someday, but to star in it at the same time… you need to posses a thousand minds.

How was it shooting that last scene, where Poirot reveals the answer to the mystery?

We were all together, It looked like The Last Supper. That scene took place at the end of the shooting, I believe. What I do remember vividly is that it was very cold. We were freezing!

Has the thought of killing an annoying director or colleague ever crossed your mind, at some point in your career?

Not killing… But slapping one or two of them? Of course!

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is now playing nationwide.

A lavish train ride unfolds into a stylish & suspenseful mystery. From the novel by Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells of thirteen stranded strangers & one man’s race to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.