Chris Evans To Play Major Role In Lionsgate ‘Jekyll’?

Captain American, Chris Evans, may be putting his good-guy image behind for a while and take another challenging role as "Jekyll." Lionsgate is currently developing an adaptation of the BBC One's miniseries in 2007. Will Chris Evans be the next Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

Chris Evans Wants Tom Jackman's Role

Chris Evans has his eyes on the role of a doctor with a split personality in Lionsgate's "Jekyll" adaptation, Deadline reported. The 35-year-old actor has been playing as a hero and patriotic citizen in Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if he gets cast as Tom Jackman (originally played by James Nesbitt), the role might give him the kind of diversification he wants to balance his career. According to Cinema Blend, he would play as the doctor who exhibits the same split personality complex that his ancestor Dr. Jekyll had. He would try to hide it from his family, and the modern-day setting gives the story the complicated twist. This would also enable to test Chris Evans as to how he can pull off a character with a dark side.

Lionsgate 'Jekyll' Release Date

No official word yet on when the production might begin, likewise, no target release date yet. But "Jekyll" is expected to be out next year. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson story, although not a direct adaptation, the modern-day "Jekyll" is being produced by Ellen DeGeneres and Jeff Kleeman under the A Very Good Production. Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry have written the script for the film, according to Deadline. The two have a commendable reputation based on their work on "Doc Savage" and "The Nice Guys." The original miniseries on BBC Two was written by Steven Moffat ("Doctor Who" showrunner).

Meanwhile, Russell Crowe will play Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the reboot of "The Mummy" under Universal. Rumors have it that the studio is also planning a separate "Jekyll" film for Crowe. So much for  ompetition.