Javier Bardem Is The New Frankenstein In Universal’s Monsters Universe
UPDATE:The chief question I proposed below has been answered by Variety’s Justin Kroll on Twitter:
To be clear, he would be playing the monster in some form not Victor
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar)August 22, 2025
The original article continues below.
If there was any doubt about whether or not Universal was viewing their new monsters cinematic universe as something that should be taken very seriously, just look at the talent they’ve been assembling: Tom Cruisewill battle the title creatureinThe Mummy, Russell Croweis playing a new version of Dr. Jekyll, Johnny Deppis on board to portray the Invisible Man, and Dwayne Johnsonis rumored to be the top choice for the Wolf Man. Okay, so that last one is a little weird, but at least everyone loves The Rock.
And now, we can add another name to the mix: the greatJavier Bardemhas been cast asFrankenstein.
That news conjures one vital question for any self-respecting horror fan: whoexactlyis Bardem playing when they say “Frankenstein”?Varietybroke the news, but they don’t specify whether or not the Oscar-winning star ofNo Country For Old MenandSkyfallwill be playing Dr. Victor Frankenstein or the monster he assembles out of spare body parts. After all, the latter is technically known as “the monster” or “the creature” in his original literary incarnation, but he has often adopted the name of his creator in latter versions and in the cultural eye.
Honestly, the crazy thing about this news is that I can see Bardem pulling off either performance. Yes, I would love to see Bardem playtheclassic mad scientist, who has been played as a sexy, debonair typeanda cackling mad man over the years, but I would also cherish the chance to watch Bardem bury himself under latex and take on one of pop culture’s most soulful, sympathetic, and dangerous horror icons.
Little else is known about Bardem’s role or when a Frankenstein film will actually hit theaters, but Variety reports that Bardem is expected to make his monsters universe debut in another film before getting his own solo adventure. AlthoughThe Mummyis set to wrap soon, there’s always time to squeeze in a cameo. Interestingly, the same report notes that Bardem was originally offered the Dr. Jekyll role, but he probably made the right choice. Why settle for a great monster when you can play the greatest monster?
The Mummy, which is directed by Alex Kurtzman, is set to arrive in theaters onJune 8, 2017. That film should set the tone for future Universal monster movies and give us an idea of what we can expect for the rest of these characters. Hopefully, we’ll be getting something that honors these complex icons. And hopefully, they’ll actually remember to be, you know, scary.
