A few weeks ago, we reported that Let Me In director Matt Reeves was planning to take on more vampires with the project The Passage, and now he wants to delve into another horror staple, Frankenstein, by signing up to take the helm of This Dark Endeavor for Summit Entertainment, according to Deadline.
Mean Creek writer/director Jacob Aaron Estes has also come aboard to write the screenplay adaptation of Kenneth Opel’s novel – a prequel to Frankenstein that deal with the mad scientist’s teen years – which will be published this summer by Simon & Schuster. Here’s the official description of the novel: ‘Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up their lives are filled with imaginary adventures…until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor’s curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixer of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.
‘Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor in the quest for three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees of Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.’
There’s no news on when production might start, but with a writer only just hired, it’s probably going to be quite a few months before This Dark Endeavor is ready for the cameras.