Frankenstein, Dracula, Mr. Hyde, even an actual historic figure like Jack The Ripper, show that many of the most iconic characters in the horror genre are intimately associated with the 19th century. In his newest novel author Dan Simmons attempts to add yet another name to that sinister list – that of the mysterious gentleman known only as Drood – through the chronicles of another iconic figure of the 1800

According to Empire Online, Guillermo has committed to a four picture deal with Universal Studios. The movies in question are:

• Frankenstien
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five
• Drood – Based on Dan Simmons’ forthcoming novel, which “blends fact and fiction in telling the dark tale of the last days of Charles Dickens”.

The deal would last between the end of The Hobbit in 2012 up until 2017. That roughly equates to four movies in five years so I think there is some question if GDT would a) direct all the movies himself, or b) has “first dibs” on these films, but may not commit to all of them.

As of yet, Universal has not committed to Hellboy 3 due to lukewarm box office (although it has been doing GREAT overseas). This decision would likely be made once Hellboy finishes its run either at the box office or in DVD sales, so don’t count it out yet.

Also conspicuously absent is GDT’s At The Mountains of Madness project. No word on that but it is likely it may be on hold for at least nine more years. Sorry Lovecraft fans…