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Keanu Reeves to star in new take on Jekyll
Universal is developing a modern retelling of the classic novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," with Keanu Reeves attached to star and Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road) writing the script, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Nicolas Winding Refn is in negotiations to direct the project, titled Jekyll. It is being produced by Erwin Stoff and Red Wagon Entertainment's Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher.
Robert Louis Stevenson's tale about a doctor who scientifically develops an evil self has become so pervasive in popular culture that the phrase "Jekyll and Hyde" conjures the idea of a split personality. The story has been translated to the screen and stage dozens of times, with several deviations including comedy, kids (Jekyll and Heidi) and gender (1995's Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde). The story has seen modern iterations as recently as 2007, when the BBC aired a miniseries with the story set in the present as Hyde ran amok in London.
Plot details for this Jekyll are being kept under wraps.
Universal has also has been developing a take on it with Guillermo del Toro, though the two couldn't be more different.
Del Toro, who has an affinity for gothic horror as well as creature features, aims to stick more closely to the Stevenson tale. Del Toro's project is on the slow track as the filmmaker works on The Hobbit, which is expected to take up the next five years.
By Pat at 7:01 AM ON 05/08/09
The BBC take on the story was really *really* good. I don't understand why anybody would want to do the story again so soon. Let alone with Keanu... While I do like Keanu and his quirky style, this sort of role really doesn't suite him.
It seems that everything is being remade these days. I guess nobody wants to take risks or spend the cash on the rights to original stories...
By PhantomsPhan at 8:32 AM ON 05/08/09
Unless someone else plays Hyde (not Keanu in makeup) or he's CGI ... AND ... Jekyll is featured very minimally in the film... I wouldn't want to see it.
Now the BBC adaption with James Nesbitt... utterly amazing. The acting is above par, the story is unique and interesting and not a rehash. I would suggest to anyone to look for this the next time they want to rent a movie, buy one or look for it on BBC America. You won't be disappointed.
By Mykl at 10:56 AM ON 05/08/09
The twist here is that when Reeves turns into Hyde he will actually be able to act.
By Jerfob at 3:31 PM ON 05/08/09
Can someone please get Keanu a new career, this guy cannot act for sh*t! Got round to seeing The Day The Earth stood still, 2 hours of my life I can never get back. The trees in Central Park weren't as wooden as him. You want to make Jekyll use Depp. The BBC version was out of this world, mostly because of the British perspective on scifi, we'd rather have a good story with alright effects than an effects fest with a crap story (ID 4 springs to mind).
By Mandy at 5:54 PM ON 05/08/09
An American remake of Jekyll!? The BBC version was fantastic. I love James Nesbitt's version. I highly recommend it. The British version was a modern retelling also called Jekyll. This is just a remake of something very, very new.
By bethezri at 8:56 PM ON 05/09/09
I'm a little concerned about the updated script, but I can't wait to what Keanu Reeves does with the part. I think he will be great.
By JasonInMelbourne at 4:58 AM ON 05/11/09
Everyone I know who've seen th BBC's Jekyll are absolutely astonished at how skillfully it was told and the ending plot twist.
I just wish/hope BBC decide to continue the mini-series down the track. Even 6 episodes per year would keep me happy!
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JasonInMelbourne:
Everyone I know who've seen th BBC's Jekyll are absolutely astonished at how skillfully it was told and the ending ...More »