DespiteThe Mummyfailing to connect with audiences at the domestic box office (it only grossed$79 million domestic, but it has made $390 million worldwide), Universal is plunging ahead withDark Universe. The studio already hasBride of Frankensteinlined up to open on August 07, 2025, and they’re hoping that star power will be enough to get the franchise through any rough patches. They hadTom CruiseforThe Mummy, they’ve gotJavier Bardemfor Frankenstein, they’re hoping to getAngelina Joliefor the Bride of Frankenstein, and now it looks like they’re keeping that star-centered approach forVan Helsing.
A new report fromTHRreveals that the studio is eyeingChanning Tatumto take the lead of the famed monster hunter. While Van Helsing was originally an older gentleman (and not a “vampire hunter” inBram Stoker’s original novel), he’s been rebooted in the past to be younger and more of an expert in the hunting and extermination of monsters. Universal last tried their hand atVan Helsingmovie back in 2004 withHugh JackmanandKate Beckinsale, but the film was abysmal and it flopped at the box office.
While there are few details on the plot—co-writerEric Heisserertold us back in Februarythat he likes the idea of an everyday hero rather than a superhero stopping monsters—it looks like the studio is definitely hoping to go on the younger side with Tatum taking on the role.
It’s worth noting that as the project develops, it will likely change with a director bringing in new writers, and the studio trying to build the project around Tatum should he sign on to star. We don’t know what direction the film is headed, but it would be neat if Van Helsing were the villain of the series and the monsters were the good guys.
As for Tatum, he’s keeping busy. He’ll be seen later this year inLogan LuckyandKingsman: The Golden Circle, and he’s still trying to get hisGambitmovie off the ground.
