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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?
17 Comments
1
good luck to him
d1rEct on May 7, 2009
2
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
Toucmyinfction on May 7, 2009
3
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
Kaiser on May 8, 2009
4
I want Cowboy Bebop first please
Darunia on May 8, 2009
5
yesss...l a very beatiful role for he!!!i happy !!
CRISTINA on May 8, 2009
8
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.
Nathalie on May 8, 2009
9
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.
hoohah on May 8, 2009
10
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.
Julius on May 8, 2009
11
funniest poster ive ever seen
kris on May 8, 2009
12
I don't get how they are making two jekyll and hyde stories. I feel that Del Torro's version may be better.
Dan W on May 8, 2009
13
So is this set in the present day?
Chuck Norris on May 8, 2009
14
I really like Keanu and respect him but i don't think that he is the perfect fir for the role.
Fisherr on May 8, 2009
15
Julius, where do we get the script. Is it available online?
Mercy on May 8, 2009
16
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!
xerxex on May 9, 2009
17
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
suzanne laRosa-Herlihy on Aug 19, 2009
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