Keanu Reeves is set to star in a modern retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for Universal, reports THR. Titled Jekyll, the film is being written by Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road) with Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson) in talks to direct.
While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Haythe’s adaptation of Revolutionary Road, I think he has a better chance to shine with Jekyll and Hyde. Unlike Road, he would have much more freedom to make this story his own. If set in present day, I think they’d have a ton of options to keep the story fresh.
This brings me to Reeves’ casting. Regardless of my undying love for Bill and Ted, Point Break and Speed, I’ve been hard on him in the past due to his emotionless and robot-like personality. Now, with the right direction and script, I think Reeves’ one note could be a high note as Dr. Jekyll. As a genius scientist that is detached from reality and socially awkward, Reeves’ zoned out stares would be fitting. I just hope that they make Mr. Hyde vicious and over the edge.
You can prepare for the new film by reading the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde online here. What do you think about the casting? Are you up for another version of Jekyll and Hyde?
I’m one of those guys who doesn’t mind Keanu. Sure, The Day…Still wasn’t exciting, but it wasn’t his fault. So I’ll give J&H a chance.