Haley Joel Osment is the first actor to join the cast of Wake the Dead for director Jay Russell.

Wake the Dead is based on the graphic novel series created by Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), which puts a modern-day spin on the Frankenstein tale. Haley Joel Osment will portray Victor Franklin, a college student who is experimenting with procedures which could reverse death.

Jay Russell will direct Wake the Dead from a screenplay he co-wrote with James V. Hart. Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Slash will produce Wake the Dead along with Michael Williams and Rob Eric. Here's what Rob Eric had to say about Haley Joel Osment's casting.

"This role allows him to break out of his shell and he will have no problem handling it."

This project is just the latest Frankenstein-themed movie in various stages of development. Other projects include Summit Entertainment's This Dark Endeavor, Ghost House Pictures' The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein, and Lakeshore Entertainment's I, Frankenstein, to name a few.