Jared Harris has joined the cast of Sony’sMorbius the Living VampireMarvel Comics adaptation. For the last couple of years, the studio has been looking at the wealth of Spider-Man characters they have the rights to and doing what they can to create a little cinematic universe centered on these characters, without actually using Spider-Man, who is over hanging out with The Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This one has been in the works for a little while now but the success ofVenomhelped make it a priority for the studio. Jared Leto has been cast in the lead role and they’re now filling out the supporting cast ahead of filming.
According to a new report,Jared Harrishas signed on to play an as-of-yet undisclosed role inMorbius. He is the latest to join following formerDoctor Whostar Matt Smith. For the time being, aside from knowing that Jared Leto will be playing the titular character known as The Living Vampire, Sony is keeping many details regarding the project under wraps, including Harris' character. But, this does mark another solid addition to the cast.
Even if one doesn’t know Jared Harris by name, they’re likely familiar with his work. He’s had prominent roles on massive hit shows such asMad Men,Fringe,The Expanseand, more recently, on Netflix’sThe Crown. On the big screen, some of his credits includeSherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,Resident Evil: Apocalypse,The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttonand Steven Spielberg’sLincoln, in which, he playedUlysses S. Grant. His work is kind of all over the place but, even in the lesser projects he’s appeared in, Harris is never the problem.
For those who may not be familiar,Morbiusthe Living Vampiredebuted in the pages of Marvel ComicsinThe Amazing Spider-Man#101. He was created by legendary writer Roy Thomas and equally legendary artist Gil Kane. The issue was the first in the series not to be penned by the late Stan Lee. The character is not technically a vampire, in that, he wasn’t bitten by another vampire to gain his powers. Dr. MichaelMorbiusgained his vampiric bloodlust via a series of experiments he ran on himself in order to cure a rare blood disease. Unfortunately, there were some side effects. Morbius grew fangs and developed a need for blood to survive. Unlike traditional vampires, his victims don’t turn into vampires once bitten.
Daniel Espinosa (Safe House,Life) is in the director’s chair working from a script byBurk Sharpless and Matt Sazama(Dracula Untold,The Last Witch Hunter). This follows in the footsteps of last year’sVenomwhich, despite not being a critical success (not by a long shot), went on to gross $855 million worldwide. Sony is looking to strike while the iron is hot.Morbiusdoes not yet have a release date set. This news was first reported byDeadline.
