Russell Crowe to Play Dr. Jekyll in The Mummy?

Last month, production got under way on Universal Pictures’Mummy Reboot, withTom Cruiseleading the cast. All we know about the story thus far is that it is set in modern day, and it will be the first full adventure in the studio’s massive monster reboot franchise, set to hit theaters on August 16, 2025. Today we have word that another huge star is being eyed to join the cast, Oscar winnerRussell Crowe.

Deadlinebrings word that the actor is in early talks to star in a “Jekyll-like role” oppositeTom Cruise, although no further details were given for this new character.Tom Cruiseis reportedly playing a special forces soldier who teams with an archaeologist (Annabelle Wallis), although those character details have yet to be confirmed.Sofia Boutella, who had a breakthrough role in last year’sKingsman: The Secret Service, is playing the Mummy, marking the first time in franchise history that a female has played the title character.

Jurassic WorldandNew GirlstarJake Johnsonsigned on for a role in March, which was specifically written for him. The actor will play a member of the military with ties toTom Cruise’s unnamed character. As forRussell Crowe’s character, this report hints that discussions could lead to a future spinoff centering on this character, but, for now, negotiations are only being made for this movie. There have previously been reports that the movie centers on Navy SEALS in Iraq, but that was never confirmed.

Alex Kurtzmanis directing theMummy Reboot, working from a script byJon Spaihts, withChris MorganandSean Danielproducing this action-adventure thriller. This movie follows 2014’sDracula Untold, which ended with a prologue that brought its vampire into present day as part of this sprawling cinematic universe. The studio is also developingThe Invisible Man, which will starJohnny Depp, along withVan Helsing,The Bride of FrankensteinandThe Wolfman.

Russell Crowewill next be seen in Warner Bros.‘The Nice Guys, opening on May 20, where he stars alongsideRyan Gosling. The actor is also attached to star in the true story adaptationIn Sand and Blood, playing the captain of an American ship that was wrecked off the Western Sahara coast in 1815. Stay tuned for more casting updates on Universal PicturesMummy Rebootas production continues in the U.K.