Universal’s upcomingThe Invisible Manreboothas found its star—again. While Universal Pictures initially aimed to launch an interconnected “Dark Universe” and setJohnny Deppin the titular role, those plans went out the window whenThe Mummycrashed and burned at the box office. The good folks at Blumhouse Productions—who recently relaunched theHalloweenfranchise in successful fashion and have a trademark “low budget/high profit” business model—recently teamed up with Universal on a newInvisible Manmovie, and now none other thanElisabeth Mossis in talks to star.
Varietywas the first to report Moss’ potential involvement, though she hasn’t yet closed a deal. It’s unclear who she would play, though it’s certainly possible that this is a gender-flipped take on the classic story. Blumhouse’s iteration of the projectoriginated with an ideafromLeigh Whannell, the filmmaker behind films likeUpgradeandInsidious: The Last Key. He’s writing and directing this newInvisible Man, which will still be in the lower-budget range of films despite being part of a major IP. It’ll likely be in line with last year’sHalloween.
Variety also notes that Depp will not be involved with the project, which no doubt comes as welcome news to many. When it was reported that Blumhouse would be teaming with Universal on a number of monster movies, it was unclear what would happen to the actors who had already been cast for the Dark Universe.Tom CruiseandRussell Crowedebuted as The Mummy and Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, respectively, butJavier Bardemhad also been enlisted to play Frankenstein’s monster.
Moss returns for the third season of the critically acclaimed Hulu seriesThe Handmaid’s Talebut also has a busy 2019 on the big screen with roles inJordan Peele’sUs, the rock dramaHer Smell, and the female-led gangster filmThe Kitchen. A release date for the newInvisible Manhas not yet been set.
