EXCLUSIVE: Joseph Morgan (pictured above in The Originals, Halo) and Katie Cassidy (pictured below in A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), Arrow) have been cast as the leads in Herbert West: ReAnimator, a contemporary reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft‘s classic story, Dread Central exclusively learned today.
The film is being produced by Bad Injections and will shoot this month in Alton, Illinois, with Woodlake Entertainment fully financing the project.
Michael Grossman will direct from an original screenplay by Jade Sandberg Wallace.
While plot details remain under wraps, the film has been described as a modern reincarnation of Dr. West’s devious quest for eternal life set in today’s world. Lovecraft’s original story follows a brilliant medical student who develops a serum capable of reanimating the dead—with predictably horrifying consequences.
Morgan will take on the role of “Herbert West”, the mad scientist famously first portrayed by Jeffrey Combs in director Stuart Gordon’s 1985 cult classic Re-Animator. Cassidy will be his partner, “Dr. Kate Locke”.
Jeff Lewis serves as producer, while John Simmons, Jeff Lewis, Roger Lewis, and Keith Previte executive produce.
Grossman is a longtime television director with Herbert West: ReAnimator reteaming him with The Originals star Joseph Morgan. He’s directed episodes of everything from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Tremors, Angel, and even Firefly.
As previously noted, this won’t be the first take on the classic Lovecraft story. Stuart Gordon first adapted the tale in 1985 with Re-Animator, starring Jeffrey Combs (The Frighteners) as Herbert West, Barbara Crampton (From Beyond), and Bruce Abbott (Bride of Re-Animator).
Watch this spot for more details as it comes in.
