With a new 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, two new Sherlock Holmes, and various other new movies based on classic literature on the way, it should come as no shock that a new movie based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is on the way. The project already has Keanu Reeves lined up to star, and Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road) penning the script.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tells the tale of a doctor who discovers a way to alter himself, allowing his evil, inner-self the ability to take over in vicious fashion. The story deals heavily along the lines of split personality disorders, but in a much more physical, visible, and scary way.

The story has appeared many, many times in stage and screen adaptations — a true testament to the simple and unique-yet brilliant creation of Robert Louis Stevenson. Two unfortunate appearances of the character were in recent lackluster films such as Van Helsing and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

With Keanu Reeves attached, I have trouble seeing light at the end of this particular tunnel. With the slightest wrong move, this could easily find itself right next to the aforementioned Van Helsing and Extraordinary Gentlemen. If done right though, digits crossed, the source material is begging for a great new adaptation with today’s film making technologies. Thankfully, no matter what happens with this one, there is another that’s been lined up with a one Guillermo del Toro, which is guaranteed to stay true and faithful while haunting your world.

[Source: THR]