With his portrayal as Steve Rogers/Captain America giving him worldwide praise, it’s safe to say that Chris Evans has taken on the image of wholeheartedness and that of do-gooder. That’s why things will get very interesting with the next role he might undertake: Tom Jackman, the lead character of Jekyll. Rather than a straight-up adaptation of the classic Robert-Louis Stevenson novel, nor bearing any resemblance with the upcoming Universal reboot starring Russell Crowe, Jekyll will be based off of the 2007 BBC One TV mini-series directed by Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat. The show focused on Jackman, a direct descendant of Dr. Henry Jekyll and traditional family man who begins to show the split-personality complex that his ancestor succumbed to in the past. Gradually, the Hyde persona begins to resurface, albeit in a modern-day setting Sherlock-style, and the battle for Jackman’s body and mind begins, all the while trying to keep this information secret from his wife and kids.
While there will probably be some skepticism regarding the switch from British to American developers, I believe that the choice of writers for this movie should convince audiences that things are in good hands. Having already written a wonderfully clever and sharp script for Shane Black’s critically acclaimed The Nice Guys, Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry have definitely proven themselves to the mainstream audience. As for whether or not Evans secures the role remains to be seen, although it would be an interesting change of character for his career. As for the possibility of Evan’s securing the role of Jackman, I think it would be rather intriguing to see darker side to actor most well known for playing a morally good character. Granted, Evans has had experience with such a role back in 2013’s Snowpiercer, but this time his dark persona will probably be less subdued and more… crazy. Apart from this information, no other news has been given regarding the casting or production of Jekyll.
As for the Russell Crowe adaptation, that film is going to take place within Universal’s shared classic horror monster universe. This such universe has already been kicked off with 2014’s Dracula Untold and will be followed up with a reboot of The Mummy starring Tom Cruise, as well as a Wolfman movie that might star Dwayne Johnson. Go figure.
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