Cannes 2009: More Jekyll and Hyde

Forest Whitaker and 50 Cent to tackle the horror classic.

by | May 15, 2009 | Comments

Jekyll and Hyde adaptations are like buses — you wait years for one and then three come along at once. First Guillermo del Toro announced plans to adapt Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella, then Nicolas Winding Refn revealed his intention to shoot a modern-day version with Keanu Reeves in the dual roles. Now Abel Ferrara is getting in on the act.

The Bad Lieutenant helmer will also contemporise the story, but instead cast two actors as Jekyll and Hyde, with Forest Whitaker and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson landing the schizophrenic gig.

According to Variety, the film will retain the premise of a doctor who invents a potion that unleashes his violent alter ego, but with Ferrara’s own unique twist.

According to executive producer Luc Roeg, “The combination of such formidable talent in front of and behind the camera will turn this wonderful gothic story into a modern classic for a whole new generation.”