Summit's Frankenstein Gets a Director in Let Me In's Matt Reeves

Matt Reeves, the director of Let Me In, has signed on to helm the second Frankenstein project we're mentioning today, a Summit film based on the upcoming Kenneth Oppel novel (the first in a series), This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Mary Shelley is just kicking herself for not living to be 215 years old. The royalties, children, the royalties! Details follow.

According to Deadline, the movie (which has Mean Creek writer/director Jacob Aaron Estes signed on for the script), we're in for a fraternal take on the ole Victorian tale.

In the Oppel novel, Frankenstein's twin Konrad is gravely ill. His brother seeks out a mysterious old alchemist to help him produce the Elixir of Life, a serum that will bestow the gift of perpetual health. You can't order this drink at a pub, and Frankenstein sets out on a dangerous adventure to find the elusive contents. He's accompanied by his best friend Elizabeth, who is sweet on Konrad. Things get complicated among the three of them.

Seems like a solid project for a bunch of pretty pale people. I'm seeing Rupert Friend as the winsome brother. He's got that squarish, determined face that makes you think, "You are serious about being in period pieces."

This'll be like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but -- instead -- Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Serious This Time. Quite sincere, this zombie! No winking at the summer crowds with this one. Just monsters and macabre insights about the human condition, thanks.

Matt Reeves and Jacob Estes Take on Summit's Frankenstein Film [Deadline]