It makes sense that Universal is so keen on keeping Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman under their net. The duo have only written some of the highest grossing films in recent history, like the first two Transformers flicks, J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol, and....well, Cowboys & Aliens. That last one was their only work for the studio, and apparently they are willing to overlook it. Deadline reports that Universal has struck a two-year, first-look deal with Orci and Kurtzman's production company that will see them developing re-imaginings of two stagnant franchises, both led by Stephen Sommers at one point.
The first is Van Helsing, based on the 2004 Hugh Jackman film where he played a more adventurous version of the character established in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Universal had a lot of hopes for it at the time, banking on Jackman's recent success as Wolverine, and it proved to be a decent size hit, earning about $300M. They've been trying to revive it ever since, with Guillermo Del Toro once set to develop it, with Tom Cruise producing and starring. Del Toro left awhile back, but Cruise is still gung-ho for it, so if it happens they've got a built-in star.
Next is The Mummy, a personal favorite franchise of mine that began in 1999 starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. It was basically a lighter version of Indiana Jones, and it hit all the right comedic and swashbuckling notes. The 2001 sequel, The Mummy Returns, is rip-roaring stuff. However it was seven years until the misguided final installment, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Whoever thought Maria Bello could replace Rachel Weisz was sorely mistaken. Jon Spaights(Prometheus) is already set to write the script.
Personally, I'd rather not see The Mummy relaunched, as I feel there's a lot of potential there left untapped. Still, this is a smart move by Universal locking up Orci and Kurtzman, because wherever they go the money seems to follow. They were recently brought on to script the latest draft of The Amazing Spider-Man sequel.
