A new “Van Helsing” movie is in the works with “Overlord” director Julius Avery tapped to helm the project developed by Universal and James Wan…
A new “Van Helsing” movie is currently in the works from Universal and famed horror director and producer James Wan.
On Tuesday, Julius Avery — best known for his work on the film “Overlord” — was tapped to direct the upcoming “Van Helsing” movie with Wan on board as an executive producer. Avery will also be rewriting the script that was originally developed by Eric Pearson.
According to reports, Universal sees “Van Helsing” as an important property worth cultivating as they continue to develop more and more films based around their classic monsters. Universal previously partnered with Blumhouse on “The Invisible Man,” which became a surprise hit earlier this year while taking in more than $130 million at the box office on just a $7 million budget.
Universal is also developing a new “Wolfman” movie with Ryan Gosling attached to star with Channing Tatum also working on a monster movie of his own.
This latest project will see Universal once again tap into a character who first appeared in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” while becoming a popular hero amongst the monster movies. There was already a “Van Helsing” movie released in 2004 that starred Hugh Jackman but the film was largely a disappointment both critically and commercially.
There is also a “Van Helsing” television series but obviously this new film will have nothing to do with either the TV show or the prior film starring Jackman.
Details surrounding this updated “Van Helsing” movie remain a mystery but bringing Avery on board certainly puts things back on track in terms of plans for the film’s release. Avery’s best known work in “Overlord” was a well-received horror film that dabbled in revisionist history as well as plenty of gore during an ‘R’ rated blood splatter fest.
Stay tuned for more details as they become available with Avery now developing his own take on “Van Helsing.”
H/T: Deadline
