While Universal's "classic monsters universe" may seem like a joke, they aren't treating it like one. The studio is aiming high and working deals in order to lure in A-list talent, like Angelina Jolie who they hope will star in The Bride of Frankenstein. But they've also had Tom Cruise on their radar for a while, and now they want him for their remake of The Mummy.
Cruise is in talks to star in the film, which features a script by Jon Spaihts (Prometheus) and direction by Alex Kurtzman. Chris Morgan (The Fast and the Furious franchise) is on board to produce. Cruise had been eyeing the role of Van Helsing in a reboot of that franchise, and one has to wonder if that's still the case as the actor is expected to play a major role in the entire monster-verse. Unless they plan on having the Mummy cross over into other movies it seems more likely that Van Helsing would be a connecting figure. Unlike the Brendan Fraser movies this Mummy will exist in the present day rather than the past.
With so much on his plate it's a little surprising he's up for another franchise to call his own. He's currently shooting Jack Reacher, Never Go Back, and has Mission: Impossible 6 and a potential Edge of Tomorrow sequel in the works. [Variety]
