Last month, production got under way on Universal Pictures' Mummy Reboot, with Tom Cruise leading the cast. All we know about the story thus far is that it is set in modern day, and it will be the first full adventure in the studio's massive monster reboot franchise, set to hit theaters on July 9, 2017. Today we have word that another huge star is being eyed to join the cast, Oscar winner Russell Crowe.

Deadline brings word that the actor is in early talks to star in a "Jekyll-like role" opposite Tom Cruise, although no further details were given for this new character. Tom Cruise is reportedly playing a special forces soldier who teams with an archaeologist (Annabelle Wallis), although those character details have yet to be confirmed. Sofia Boutella, who had a breakthrough role in last year's Kingsman: The Secret Service, is playing the Mummy, marking the first time in franchise history that a female has played the title character.

Jurassic World and New Girl star Jake Johnson signed on for a role in March, which was specifically written for him. The actor will play a member of the military with ties to Tom Cruise's unnamed character. As for Russell Crowe's character, this report hints that discussions could lead to a future spinoff centering on this character, but, for now, negotiations are only being made for this movie. There have previously been reports that the movie centers on Navy SEALS in Iraq, but that was never confirmed.

Alex Kurtzman is directing the Mummy Reboot, working from a script by Jon Spaihts, with Chris Morgan and Sean Daniel producing this action-adventure thriller. This movie follows 2014's Dracula Untold, which ended with a prologue that brought its vampire into present day as part of this sprawling cinematic universe. The studio is also developing The Invisible Man, which will star Johnny Depp, along with Van Helsing, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Wolfman.

Russell Crowe will next be seen in Warner Bros.' The Nice Guys, opening on May 20, where he stars alongside Ryan Gosling. The actor is also attached to star in the true story adaptation In Sand and Blood, playing the captain of an American ship that was wrecked off the Western Sahara coast in 1815. Stay tuned for more casting updates on Universal Pictures Mummy Reboot as production continues in the U.K.