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Keanu Reeves to Revive Himself as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

by Alex Billington
May 7, 2009

Universal is in development on a modern retelling of the classic story The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with Keanu Reeves attached to star. Revolutionary Road screenwriter Justin Haythe is penning the script, and Pusher trilogy director Nicolas Winding Refn is in negotiations to direct the project, which will be simply titled Jekyll. This project is separate from the Guillermo del Toro version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which is reportedly vastly different and quite a few years (meaning at least decades) out. Other than that, Universal is keeping plot details for Jekyll a secret right now, which is a bit interesting.

Hopefully everyone is familiar with the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story and doesn't need a refresher. The classic tale was written by Robert Louis Stevenson and first published in 1886. Not only is Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn the guy behind the Pusher trilogy, but he also directed Bronson from Sundance this year and Valhalla Rising, which we featured a badass trailer for previously. This guy definitely has a gritty style, so I expect we won't be seeing anything light or comical by any means, even though THR claims this version will be the opposite of del Toro's, which will supposedly "stick more closely to the Stevenson tale."

As for Keanu Reeves starring as probably both Jekyll and Hyde, you know what, I'm not opposed to his involvement. It'll be a challenge for him indeed, but I think with a good director (which Refn certainly is), he could pull it off. I'll be very curious to hear what Refn's take on this story will be and how it'll be different than other versions. We'll certainly keep you updated on the status of this project! Anyone interested?

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d1rEct

good luck to him
Toucmyinfction

I can see it happening :] Im a huge fan of Jekyll/Hyde, and I loved the original black and white film Its gonna be awesome
Kaiser

I was thinking just last night as I cringed my way through LXG again (it was on TV and there was nothing on, in fact I opted for an early night eventually!) that we need a new Jekyll & Hyde movie, and here it is, I am very pleased about this one
Darunia

I want Cowboy Bebop first please
CRISTINA

yesss...l a very beatiful role for he!!!i happy !!
http://www.youtube.com/snears Nick Sears

I think this would be a great challenge for him. I'm interested!
http://www.faskil.com Faskil

Well, he'd better start taking acting classes.
http://www.thornbird.blogg.se Nathalie

I can't really see him playing Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. No offence but the guy has the acting ability of a piece of wood.
hoohah

LOL at #1 and #8 I agree though. Keanu Reeves would have been the LAST actor I would have thought of to play a schizo. His expressions are limited to 1.
Julius

I just read the script. It's set today, is very dark and gritty, and quite scary and disturbing. Rare that a script leaves me scared after reading, but this one did. I'm not sure how well Reeves will pull it off, but it's a great role for him.
kris

funniest poster ive ever seen
Dan W

I don't get how they are making two jekyll and hyde stories. I feel that Del Torro's version may be better.
Chuck Norris

So is this set in the present day?
Fisherr

I really like Keanu and respect him but i don't think that he is the perfect fir for the role.
Mercy

Julius, where do we get the script. Is it available online?
xerxex

I think he can do it, and ever since "A Scanner Darkly" I see him as an actor who only shines in films that appeal to him so perhaps this is his redeeming role, but first Cowboy Bebop and he better do amazing in that i Spike falls to him!
suzanne laRosa-Herlihy

As a screenwriter..., I write all my scripts with Keanu in mind. How's this for an idea? They make a anatomically correct doll of him,..lifesize of course and all the women will buy one! Everyone wants one! Except,..they all bring it back to the store...why? Because women hate plastic shoved up there!! LOLOLOLOL (Just kidding*) Love ya Keanu...Thanks for the inspiration to write* ((((((((Smile would ya))))))))) animalover4@comcast.net