While Matt Reeves hasn’t quite decided how he’s going to followup the excellent “Let Me In,” he’s certainly giving himself lots of options. Last month the director signed on to direct two films — the sci-fi “8 O’Clock In The Morning” and the vampire pic “Passage” — and he’s staying with the supernatural for yet another film he’s putting his name to.
Deadline reports that Reeves has signed to direct “This Dark Endeavor,” a new spin on the Frankenstein tale. Based on the forthcoming book by Kenneth Oppel, that will be adapted by Jacob Aaron Estes (“Mean Creek,” “The Details“) the story begins as “Frankenstein’s twin Konrad is gravely ill. His brother seeks out a mysterious old alchemist to help him produce the Elixir of Life, a serum that will bestow the gift of perpetual health. You can’t order this drink at a pub, and Frankenstein sets out on a dangerous adventure to find the elusive contents. He’s accompanied by his best friend Elizabeth, who is sweet on Konrad. Things get complicated among the three of them.”
The project has franchise potential which is likely why Summit is pushing it forward, as the book is the first in a series. But like the Snow White movies, there is plenty of competition out there, and Deadline ran down yesterday. But this actually looks to be original take, not simply a refashioning for contemporary audiences, but the question is when this will get made. Reeves already has two other films in the oven and we suppose Summit will be looking at book sales first before moving ahead in earnest. But clearly, they want strong talent behind the picture.
So what do you want to see from Reeves? Vampires, Frankenstein or a sci-fi tale? For us, we just hope his dream project “The Invisible Woman” isn’t being left behind.