Universal seeking Channing Tatum for ‘Van Helsing’ film

The reboot of Universal’s Monsters Universe began with The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise and Sofia Boutella. One of the slated projects is a reboot of Van Helsing and a new report states that the studio is eyeing Channing Tatum to take the lead of the famed monster hunter.

A new report from THR makes the aside claim: “…polishing the script for Van Helsing, aimed for Channing Tatum

The studio already has Bride of Frankenstein lined up to open on February 14, 2019, trying to use big names to create their “Dark Universe” as a rival for the big tentpoles successes over at Disney.

Universal last tried their hand at Van Helsing movie back in 2004 with Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, but the film was abysmal and it flopped at the box office.

co-writer Eric Heisserer told Collider back in February that he likes the idea of an everyday hero rather than a superhero stopping monsters and the studio rumored to be hoping to go on the younger side with Tatum taking on the role seems to confirm that perspective.

Collider notes: “It’s worth noting that as the project develops, it will likely change with a director bringing in new writers, and the studio trying to build the project around Tatum should he sign on to star. We don’t know what direction the film is headed, but it would be neat if Van Helsing were the villain of the series and the monsters were the good guys.”