In more proof that Universal is eager to follow the Marvel business plan when assembling their monster franchise, Variety is reporting that A-list actor Russell Crowe is in talks to play a “Dr. Jekyll-type role” in The Mummy.  What’s interesting about this is that while classic monsters like the Wolfman, the Invisible Man, or the Bride of Frankenstein will all receive their very own feature films right off the bat, Crowe’s appearance in The Mummy seems to serve as the launching point for tying these characters together in their shared universe.  It also seems indicative that the character will receive his own feature down the line.

Universal has also recently set a date of February 15th, 2019 for a third Universal monster feature, though just which monster will receive the spotlight has yet to be revealed. The second, scheduled for April 18th, 2018 currently lacks a monster as well, though with Johnny Depp locked down for The Invisible Man, I have a hunch that is the lead contender for the date.

Filming is currently underway with Tom Cruise in the lead and Sofia Boutella as the titular character, with a theatrical release date of June 9th, 2017.

The story follows Navy Seal Tyler Colt and his mission in the Iraqi desert to find a group of terrorists hiding out in a bunker. To his and his team’s surprise, the terrorists within the bunker turn out be nothing more than some grave robbers who have all magically died. Upon entering the bunker they soon realize the bunker they have infiltrated is actually a centuries old tomb. Mayhem erupts as all the Navy Seal members start turning on one another, and Tyler is the only one to make it all the way deep within the tomb alive to find a black iron sarcophagus. But after placing his hand on the sarcophagus, he is immediately stabbed in the palm with a star shaped symbol. From then on Tyler’s mind is cursed with visions of Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria… The Mummy.
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