Universal Pictures has brought onDan Mazeau(Wrath of the Titans) to rewrite the script for the studio’sVan Helsingreboot. It is part of Universal Studios’monster universe, which will feature a bunch of classic creatures in modern day. While his involvement hasn’t been reported until now,Dan Mazeauhas been with this project since September. He was also part of the original writers room that came together to flesh out this universe, which includedNoah Hawley(Legion),Aaron Guzikowski(Prisoners) andEd Solomon(Men in Black).
The Tracking Boardbroke the news of this writer coming aboard, withEric Heisserer(Arrival) andJon Spaihts(The Mummy,Passengers) previously working on this project together through the writers room. Just yesterday,Eric Heissererrevealed that he tried to make the movie as scary as possible, although he qualified that by stating, “I don’t know what it’s going to look like at the end of the process.” Since very little is known about his original take, it isn’t clear how differentDan Mazeau’s take will be.
Like all of the properties that will be rebooted within the Universal Monsters universe, there have been several different big screen iterations ofVan Helsing.Edward Van Sloanfirst portrayed the character in the original 1931Draculamovie, whilePeter Cushingplayed the iconic character in Hammer Films’Draculaseries for several years. The vampire hunter was also played byAnthony Hopkinsin 1992’sDracula,Mel Brooksin the comedy spoofDracula: Dead and Loving It,Christopher PlummerinDracula 2000andHugh Jackmanin Universal’s 2004Van Helsingmovie.
Van Helsing, along with all of the othermonster moviesin this reboot universe, will be set in present day. As for the other projects in development,Aaron Guzikowskiis working onThe Wolf Manfilm, whileDavid Koeppis working on aBride of Frankensteinreboot that the studio was eyeingAngelina Jolieto direct back in November 2015.Noah HawleyandJenny Lumetworked on earlier drafts of the script forBride of Frankenstein.Johnny Deppis also set to star inThe Invisible Manreboot, which is being written byEd Solomon. No production schedule was given forVan Helsingor any of these other Universal reboots.
The Mummyreboot starringTom Cruisewill be the first Universal monster reboot to hit theaters, debuting on June 9. The studio has also set dates for Jun 18, 2025 and August 15, 2025, but it isn’t clear which of the other reboots will take those spots.Dan Mazeaumade his feature writing debut with the 2012 action sequelWrath of the Titans, and he is also writingLuna ParkforTom Cruiseand producersDoug LimanandSimon Kinberg. He also provided a rewrite for the upcoming spy thrillerSection 6for Universal Pictures, whichJoe Cornishis set to direct, and adapted the sci-fi novelYukikazefor Warner Bros. while writing the action-thrillerWorld’s Most Wantedfor producerNeal Moritz. S
