News recently broke that Channing Tatum is poised to reunite with 21 Jump Street directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord for a mystery monster movie for Universal. While the plot and character remain under wraps, the trades suggest the film will be a modern-day, tongue-in-cheek variation on Universal's classic monster movie template.
With nothing left to do but speculate until further details are divulged, it's worth wondering whether Tatum will portray one of the classic Universal monsters or play a hero who fights one of them.
The Invisible Man
Given the highly successful rendition of Leigh Whannell's 2020 version of The Invisible Man, it's least likely that Tatum would play such a character as frightening and straightforward as Oliver Jackson-Cohen. However, as a tongue-in-cheek sendup, it could absolutely happen.
The classic H.G. Wells story has been adapted for comedic effect several times in the past, including ones starring Ed Begley Jr. and Chevy Chase. While it wouldn't be very prudent to hide Tatum's face for the duration, a campy comedy version of the character could be an interesting way to capitalize on the success of Whannell's version.
Creature From The Black Lagoon
Since a similar monster was featured in Guillermo del Toro's Best Picture Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water, the Fish-Man/Gill-Man from The Creature from the Black Lagoon has proven to be a valuable commodity of a character.
Whether Tatum plays the titular creature or leads the heroic hunt for it, a legit comedic redo of the 1954 classic is something the world has never really seen. The other Universal monsters have enjoyed numerous adaptations with comedic tones and tenors, so from a sheer originality standpoint, the idea makes a lot of sense.
The Mummy
Following the critical drubbing Tom Cruise's 2017 version of The Mummy suffered, Universal would be wise to reboot the iconic character as soon as humanly possible. The best way to do so could be to take a satirical angle on the story with Tatum front and center.
One of the biggest critiques of the 2017 version was, in addition to its lack of scares, the overly serious tone. Chris Miller and Phil Lord have made a living from subverting serious subjects for exaggerated effect, so casting Tatum as a bumbling mummy is a distinct possibility.
Frankenstein
Despite the various attempts (I, Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein, etc.), there has not been a high-quality Frankenstein film in ages. Given how rife the story is for comedic adaptation, à la Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein, it's very possible that Tatum could play a satirical version of either the mad Dr. Frankenstein or his murderous monster.
It would be even more inspired if Tatum took on both roles, playing the psychotically obsessive doctor as well as the empathetically soft-hearted monster. Heavy makeup could be applied for the latter, making it nearly impossible to recognize Tatum in both roles.
The Wolfman
In May 2020, Universal announced plans to reboot The Wolfman with Ryan Gosling intended to play the titular role. However, given everything that's going on in the world, a shakeup with the project is a very real possibility.
The last iteration of The Wolfman came via Joe Johnston's 2010 version, which was a flop critically and financially. The lycanthropic character seems a perfect fit for Tatum, one that struggles to balance his inner sensitivity with his feral urges for human flesh. A modern, tongue-in-cheek version would also be an original take on the character not seen since the days of Teen Wolf.
The Phantom Of The Opera
Universal began its initial run of classic monster movies with the 1925 silent version of The Phantom of the Opera, which would be a perfect character for Tatum to play in a comedic redo. The character is dashing and debonair, and would only have to shroud half of his face beneath his trademark mask, allowing Tatum's visage to partially shine through.
Based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, the story follows a hideously deformed prowler who terrorizes a Paris Opera House in order to make the woman he loves to become a theater star. As the phantom stalks and slashes his way through various patrons, the survivors work to uncover his mysterious identity.
Count Dracula
Of all the Universal Classic Monsters, Channing Tatum seems the most tailor-made for the rakish bloodsucker, Count Dracula. He's suave, seductive, charismatic, and could easily use his wits and wiles to feast on any female victim that dares to cross his path.
While there have been several high-quality vampire comedies over the decades, there have not been very many recent ones. Mel Brooks' Dracula: Dead and Loving It was released 25 years ago, and aside from Hotel Transylvania, the character has remained serious and straightforward. Tatum as Count Dracula under the subversively hilarious direction of Miller and Lord is the most logical classic Universal Monster movie redo they could make.