Back in July, we reported thatChris Evanshad come aboard to star in a big screen adaptation ofJekyll, based on the hit 2007 BBC One mini-series of the same name, written byDoctor WhoandSherlockcreatorSteven Moffatand starringJames Nesbitt. Today we have word that the project has found a director, withZombielandfilmmakerRuben Fleischercoming aboard to take the helm. With this project moving forward, it also sets up a competitive situation with Universal’s potential Dr. Jekyll spin-off starringRussell Crowe.
Back in May, beforeRussell Crowewas confirmed as Dr. Jekyll in Universal’sThe Mummyreboot, a report surfaced that there have been discussions at Universal for a future spin-off involving his Dr. Jekyll character. That was never confirmed by Universal, but this report fromDeadlineindicates that the spin-off is still in the works, which will come afterDr. JekyllinThe Mummy, the first movie in Universal’s monster reboot universe, debuting in theaters August 21, 2025.
The originalJekyllmini-series starredJames Nesbittas Tom Jackman, a modern-day descendant of Dr. Jekyll, who is beginning to show signs of his iconic relative’ssplit personalitydisorder. He abandons his wife and children without any explanation and lives in a basement with a psychiatric nurse to try and keep his other half, Mr. Hyde, at bay to protect his family. Both personalities try to co-exist in the same body, with each one leaving recorded messages for the other, since neither Dr. Jekyl nor Mr. Hyde can remember what the other personality does. The original mini-series cast also includedGina Bellman,Paterson Joseph,Denis Lawson,Linda Marlowe,Michelle RyanandGemma Baker.
TheJekyllscreenplay will be written byAnthony BagarozziandCharles Mondry, who both worked with directorShane Blackon this summer’s action comedyThe Nice Guys, which starredRussell CroweandRyan Gosling. They will work with directorRuben Fleischeron the script, but it isn’t known if this will be the director’s next film. He is also developing a long-gestating sequel to his 2009 hitZombielandwith Sony Pictures reportedly working on deals for original starsWoody Harrelson,Jesse Eisenberg,Emma StoneandAbigail Breslinto return and reprise their roles from the original. TheJekyllproduction start date may also depend onChris Evans' availability, since he is shootingAvengers: Infinity Warand its untitled sequel back-to-back.
The originalRobert Louis Stevensonnovel that Dr. Jekyll originated from is currently in the public domain, which means both studios can pursue these projects without worrying about rights issues.Ruben Fleischerhas also directed30 Minutes or LessandGangster Squad, but he has been keeping busy on the small screen as of late. The filmmaker has directed four episodes of NBC’sSuperstore, including the pilot, along with the pilot episode of ABC’sAmerican Housewife. He is also attached to direct the featureThe Regional Office is Under Attack.
