Van Helsing, the 2004 action film starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, is a truly terrible movie. In addition to being remarkably stupid, the performances in the movie are terrible and the effects were godawful. It was clear that the studio wanted to make a franchise out of the monster-killing hero, but obviously that never took off. Now they're hoping to have better luck with a brand new star and a pair of hot producers.
THR has gotten word from Universal that Tom Cruise is now attached to both star in and produce a new version of Van Helsing with Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman on-board as well. Kurtzman and Orci's biggest claim to fame was writing the script for the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Trek reboot, but their other credits include the first two Transformers movies, Mission: Impossible III (so they've worked with Cruise before) and the television series Fringe. In addition to Van Helsing, the writing/producing duo is also planning on bringing back The Mummy. Just a few weeks ago it was reported that Prometheus writer Jon Spaihts is on-board to write the reboot for the The Mummy, which won't bring back star Brendan Fraser.
In a joint statement from Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson and Co-Chairman, Donna Langley they said, "Alex and Roberto are extraordinarily talented writers and producers who know the value of a great story in building successful tentpole films. They have been a major part of some of Hollywood’s biggest movies and television shows in recent history, and we’re eager to have them build on that success at Universal."
Do you think that Cruise will make a better Van Helsing than Hugh Jackman? Who do you think Kurtzman and Orci should get to star in The Mummy? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
