Oscar winning actor Javier Bardem is currently in negotiations to join Universal's reboot of "Frankenstein." He is eyeing for the role of the monster itself, and not as the scientist. He will be part of the big roster of actors that Universal has lined up as they continue to expand their monster universe.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal had always been eyeing for Bardem to play a major role in their cinematic universe. Initially, he was eyed for the role of Jekyll/Hyde, but since Crowe landed the role, he was eyed for a part in "Frankenstein."
Despite the revelation that he will play the monster in the film, Universal has not made a decision as to which movie may mark his debut appearance, since the cinematic universe is an overlap of different films. This means that Bardem will not only be appearing as "Frankenstein" in a stand-alone film, as his character will also make appearances across the monster universe.
Other details about "Frankenstein" reboot have not yet been revealed, plus there's no news as to how the recent film will differentiate, or probably have a semblance, to the classic 1999 "Frankenstein" film.
Meanwhile, according to Screen Crush, aside from "Frankenstein," Universal has already a strong line-up of Oscar winning actor's part of the roster for the reboot of several classic monster films. Tom Cruise already has a major role in "The Mummy," while Johnny Depp was given a role in "The Invisible Man." There have also been talks that they were eyeing for Angelina Jolie to direct and also take on a role in "Bride of Frankenstein," and Dwayne Johnson for their reboot of "The Wolf Man."