With Frankenstein’s monster returning to challenge vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures for cinematic dominance, Fox has slowly been putting together the pieces for its take on Victor Von Frankenstein and his most famous creation. The studio – and director Paul McGuigan – have turned to a man who has become used to playing a man of science, as** X-Men: First Class**’s James McAvoy has won the role of Victor.
Working from Max Landis’ script, McGuigan’s film will blend Mary Shelley’s original tale with an expanded look at the Franken-universe told through the eyes of Igor (Daniel Radcliffe) and through the filter of the old pop-culture take on the characters.
Though Fox had wanted this one rolling before competing Franken-movies such as I, Frankenstein, the San Diego Comic-Con panel for that Aaron Eckhart filmsuggests that McGuigan and co have lost this particular race. That said, with an intriguing Landis script and two very talented types in the lead roles, we must admit that this new version of Frankie goes to Hollywood has pinged our interest-o-meter to a much higher level.
McAvoy beat the likes of Toby Kebbell and Jack Houston for the role, and should bring the requisite depth to the troubled scientist. He’ll also be seen in Filth (out September 27) and double bill drama The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby: Him and Her, which does not yet have a release date. And let’s not forget X-Men: Days Of Future Past, due to land here on May 22 next year.