Universal Pictures recently released a trailer for the upcoming reboot of "The Mummy," starring Tom Cruise as protagonist Nick Morton. The film also stars Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll and director Alex Kurtzman now reveals that audiences may get to see the infamous doctor's origin story and his transformation into the monstrous Mr. Hyde.
"There's an origin story happening on two different fronts," Kurtzman explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I won't tell you too much more than that."
The interview also alluded to Dr. Jekyll's temper although Kurtzman did not confirm if Dr. Jekyll would be transforming into his monster form in the film or if it will merely be teased for a future movie. Universal is building its own cinematic universe, revolving around the Universal monsters.
A behind-the-scene video feature showcases Dr. Jekyll fighting against Nick Morton, indicating there is a possibility Jekyll will unleash his Mr. Hyde persona. However, the footage cuts to a different sequence before the end of the fight can be shown.
According to Screen Rant, the film will be taking liberties with the character of Dr. Jekyll given that the film is set in the modern day instead of the Victorian era. It is also surmised that Dr. Jekyll will serve similarly to how Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) headed SHIELD in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fury, in the MCU, served as a connective link between the different films. Fury and his agents appeared in all of the Marvel Phase One films and it was through their cameos that the MCU world was built, eventually coming together in the 2012 film "The Avengers."
Dr. Jekyll did not appear in the older versions of the "The Mummy," including the most recent trilogy that starred Brandon Fraser in the lead role. The most recent Hollywood adaptation of the character was seen in the 2004 film "Van Helsing," where he was portrayed by Robbie Coltrane.
"The Mummy" will release on June 9, 2017. The official trailer can be viewed below: