Dracula Untold may not have wowed critics when it hit theaters last year (read our review). Nevertheless, the Luke Evans-centered film brought in more than $200 million worldwide, seemingly confirming its status as the first entry in Universal's shared monster movie universe.

For those unaware, the classic Universal monster line-up includes iconic characters like Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy and Frankenstein. Films centered on several of the characters are in active development, presumably adapting their classic stories for a modern-day setting and building up to an Avengers-style monster mash. With today's news, that comparison to Earth's Mightiest Heroes may be more fitting than ever before - as it seems one Universal monster adventure is eyeing an Avenger for its cast.

Tracking Board is reporting that Universal hopes to land Scarlett Johansson in the (human) lead role for its Creature from the Black Lagoon remake. The original 1954 film followed a group of scientists who discover a half-man/half-fish creature. If this report is accurate (take this news with a sizable grain of salt for now), Johansson would likely assume a modernized version of the role initially played by Julia Adams.

Considering reports saying the new Universal monster movies will be positioned as modern-day action-adventure films rather than horror-centered releases, it's easy to see why Johansson would be at the top of the studio's list. Between her ongoing work as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and action-heavy hits like Lucy, she has proven herself as a bonafide big-screen action hero. Naturally, should Johansson actually board the film, her role would likely change from the shrieking damsel in distress of the original black-and-white film into a female action hero more in line with today's world.

Creature from the Black Lagoon

As far as the Universal monster-verse, The Mummy reboot is set to hit theaters next year, with an as-yet-unrevealed monster film for 2017. Granted, the Creature wasn't mentioned in recent reports regarding which characters would tie into the shared universe. However, it's very possible that Universal has expanded its plans to include other monsters from its history. Perhaps Creature is that mystery 2017 release. Or perhaps this entire Johansson story will fall apart. Only time will tell if either is true.

Do you think Johansson would be a good fit for a Creature from the Black Lagoon remake - or any other developing Universal Monster movie remake/reboot? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments section below.

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on the Creature from the Black Lagoon remake.

Source: Tracking Board