Universal doesn't have access to any of Marvel's characters (unlike Sony and Fox), but that hasn't deterred the studio from trying to build a new universe out of iconic horror characters. One of those characters, however, may be about to undergo a bit of a face change.
Alex Kurtzman, director of the studio’s upcoming Mummy movie, said that he's open to an entirely different interpretation of the classic monster and going with a female lead, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Casting is expected to start in the next few months, but sources tell the trade while they aren't leaning one way or another, there are two distinct backstories based on whether they choose a man or a woman.
In the original Mummy from 1932, Boris Karloff plays the monster brought back from the dead who stalks a beautiful woman (Zita Johann) that he believes to be the reincarnation of his former lover. It's been remade multiple times over the years, and spawned the incredibly popular Mummy series starring Brendan Fraser.
The film is just the first in a series of blockbuster style movies Universal is planning to release as a new franchise, alongside Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and more.
The Mummy is scheduled to be released on Mar. 24, 2017.