Universal's upcoming reboot of THE MUMMY is meant to open the doors to "a new world of gods and monsters", a cinematic universe that will see classic monsters and villains like the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's Monster crossing paths over the course of multiple films. THE MUMMY will contain hints of what's to come – the film features an organization called Prodigium, which is led by Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll (who has a twisted alter ego named Eddie Hyde) and exists to "recognize, examine, contain, and destroy evil". Pictures of the Prodigium set have revealed that the organization has in its possession such odd items as a vampire's skull and the hand of the Creature from the Black Lagoon. However, one character we're not likely to get a glimpse of in the film is Frankenstein's Monster… and that's because the deal hasn't been closed with the actor chosen to play the iconic creation.
It was revealed back in July of 2016 that Javier Bardem was in talks to play Frankenstein, although initial reports didn't specify whether that meant the doctor or his monster. Ten months later, Bardem has now confirmed to CinemaBlend that he is indeed in talks with Universal to become Frankenstein's Monster.
Bardem told the site,
Yeah, well, there are talks. And I would love to be part of it. Because it's an iconic… speaking of an iconic character! I have the size of the head. [Laughs] That's for sure. They're not going to waste a lot of money in makeup, that's for sure.
This has been a lengthy negotiation process, but maybe the deal will be closed when the reboot universe's Frankenstein project, a new take on BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, secures a director. Bill Condon entered negotiations to direct the film last month, and he seems like the most appropriate choice possible, since he wrote and directed 1998's GODS AND MONSTERS, which is a fictionalized account of the last days in the life of FRANKENSTEIN / BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN director James Whale that contains flashbacks to the making of BRIDE.
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN has a script in place that was written by David Koepp. If Condon and Bardem officially sign on, the project may well be on track to be the next film in this new monster series.
As a fan of Bardem, especially of his performances in NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and the Bond film SKYFALL, I would love to see him play Frankenstein's Monster, so I'm hoping all these talks will result in a deal very soon.
THE MUMMY reaches theatres on June 9th.
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