I’m not trying to kick you while you’re down because I didn’t hate the new MUMMY movie. But I know that the critical drubbing and reports of a massive write-off has to hurt.

So if you decide that a course correction is already in order, I’d like to suggest putting Matt Reeves and Andy Serkis in charge. Matt Reeves took a dodgy idea — remaking Let the Right One In — and made a high quality film. Andy Serkis, of course, is the master of performance capture acting.

But it’s their combined talents on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes that demonstrates that these two “get” creatures. While Serkis’ Caesar is not a monster, he embodies much of what made the original Universal monsters great. He’s sympathetic, but increasingly pushed to a breaking point. Reeves can pull off character moments without skimping on the “blockbuster” elements.

These are qualities that the planned Dark Universe needs. Imagine how great Serkis would be as the Gill-Man, for example. While you’re at it, throw Doug Jones in the mix. I don’t know if these guys are available or even interested, but hopefully it’s something to think about.

Still hoping for the best from your endeavors,

Derek