Universal nabs Johnny Depp for its "The Invisible Man" reboot

PanARMENIAN.Net - Universal Pictures has nabbed a big star for its "The Invisible Man" reboot. Johnny Depp has been set to star in the upcoming movie, which is based on H.G. Wells novel of the same title. The first big-screen adaptation arrived in 1933 with Claude Rains starring as a scientist who finds a way to become invisible, AceShowbiz said.

Deadline first reported the news. It's still unclear who will pen the script and no director is attached to the project yet. The "Invisible Man" reboot is part of Universal's effort to establish its new classic monster universe with Alex Kurtzman and Chris Morgan shepherding it.

The studio has previously tapped Tom Cruise to star in "The Mummy", which is also part of the rebooted monster universe. Kurtzman is set to direct the new film, which is set for a June 9, 2017 release in the U.S.

Depp has filmed "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales", the fifth installment in the Disney fantasy film franchise. He will also return as the Mad Hatter in "Alice Through the Looking Glass" that is due out May 27.