Late last year it was uncovered that Tom Cruise had agreed to star in a reboot of The Mummy. Universal Studios has already proclaimed their intention to utilize its dormant library of classic horror characters and create a fully function cinematic universe. Many questioned how the studio intended to take characters such as the Wolfman, Mummy, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Invisible Man, and lead them towards an Avengers style team-up. Many of the questions still remain, however not many people are questioning how they will get people in theaters anymore…
Cruise is not known for taking jobs for a simple paycheck and the addition of relative newcomer Sofia Boutella (Kingsman: The Secret Service) as the new face of the Mummy suggests a dynamic new take on the property. As The Mummy is heading towards production in order to make its 2017 release date. Today a report from THR has surfaced, revealing the next film and star to step into the burgeoning Universal Horror-verse.
Screen legend Johnny Depp has reportedly signed on to star in the reboot of The Invisible Man. He is the first major piece of the developing reboot as THR describes:
It is unclear where the movie stands in terms of development. There is no director attached at this stage. The studio has a writers room with elite scribes, overseen by Kurtzman and Morgan, who are tackling reboots of the entire line of Universal’s classic monsters; sources say Ed Solomon, best known for writing Men in Black and Now You See Me, is writing Invisible Man.
The film will be based on the original book by H.G. Wells. It follows a scientist who has discovered the key to invisibility, which gradually drives him insane. It’s a role that instantly speaks to Depp’s acting sensibilities. Its easy to imagine the multitude of quirky situations he will find himself in. As well as the chance to pay homage to actor Claude Rains, from the 1933 original. It will be interesting to find out if this takes place in modern times and what the plan to tie all of these horror franchises together is.
The fact that Universal is targeting and securing A-list talent of this caliber signals that the Horror-verse could exceed all expectations. This also makes earlier rumors that Universal has been courting Angelina Jolie for The Bride of Frankenstein, that much more significant and plausible. We will be sure to keep our eye on Universal’s ambitious plans and developments for their new cinematic universe.
The Mummy is scheduled to open on June 9th, 2017. The release of The Invisible Man is still to be determined.
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