Aaron Eckhart Is One Ripped Monster In I, Frankenstein Photo
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Although the film was originally supposed to be released this past February, Lionsgate pushed the release for the strange horror/science fiction hybrid I, Frankenstein back to January 2014. Along the way they’ve turned down many other viable options (more on that below). An updated version of the Frankenstein story, a first look at the film shows Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight) as a pumped up, muscular version of the iconic horror creation.
This image comes to us from Entertainment Weekly (via Bloody Disgusting). The screenplay for I, Frankenstein was written by Kevin Grevioux, who adapted his own graphic novel of the same name. An American/Australian co-production, with Aussie Stuart Beattie at the helm, the cast is a mix of American, British, and Australian actors. Aside from Eckhart, the credits include Yvonne Strahovski, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto, and Jai Courtney.
The new incarnation of the horror legend is set in the modern day and follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein as he reanimates lifeless corpses. The monster, named Adam Frankenstein, is involved in a war between two immortal clans in an ancient city. I don’t remember that part from Mary Shelly’s novel. Adam is haunted by his inner demons, and desperately wants to learn all of the secrets of his creation. Eckhart describes his character as “an intelligent, evolved man, and that’s how he is portrayed in this movie, for sure.”
I, Frankenstein has been in the works at Lakeshore Entertainment since all the way back in 2010. Development and casting of the horror/sci-fi mashup began in earnest in 2011 when Beattie and Grevioux teamed up to re-write the script, and production kicked in early 2012 in Melbourne and Victoria, Australia.
The film was originally scheduled to hit theaters on February 22, but Lionsgate moved the release to September 13, announcing that the film would be up-converted to 3D. Back in April, the studio delayed the film’s release date yet again, all the way to January 2014. With all the release date moves and a new January release date, a traditional cinematic dead zone, it seems like I, Frankenstein is being dumped and left for dead.
Beattie made is directorial debut in 2010, with an adaption of Tomorrow, When the War Began, and I, Frankenstein is the Australian’s sophomore effort.
This may only be his second film at the helm, but he has a history as a screenwriter, and penned a few big ticket blockbusters, including G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Baz Lurhmann’s Australia, Punisher: War Zone, 30 Days of Night, Michael Mann’s Collateral, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
In addition to his graphic novel, Grevioux is also an actor and screenwriter. He wrote Underworld, and its prequel Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, appearing in front of the camera in both films. You may also recognize him from movies like Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, Ang Lee’s The Hulk, Men In Black II, and Cradle 2 the Grave. Then again, you may not recognize him.
Eckhart looks completely ripped and menacing as Frankenstein’s monster in this photo. It’ll be interesting to see how the film performs at the box office and how critics will take it. All the red flags don’t look so good for the movie, studios rarely schedule a January release for a movie they have high hopes for. The film’s first teaser trailer is expected to debut at this year’s San Diego Comic Con next week.
I, Frankenstein will hit theaters everywhere on January 24, 2014, in 3D.
