Lakeshore Entertainment is eyeing a new franchise in the shape of I, Frankenstein with its Underworld associates Kevin Grevioux (pictured) and Patrick Tatopoulos.

The company acquired the script last Thursday after Underworld writer/actor Grevioux and business partner Robert Sanchez brought in the property.

Lakeshore has scheduled a July start on the contemporary fantasy thriller in which the legendary monster stands between humans and an uprising of supernatural creatures determined to overthrow the world.

Grevioux wrote the original screenplay based on his upcoming Darkstorm Studios graphic novel of the same name. Tatopoulos, who directed Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans and designed the effects for the vampires versus werewolves series, will direct.

Lakeshore chairman and CEO Tom Rosenberg, president Gary Lucchesi and Richard Wright will produce and Grevioux and Sanchez will serve as executive producers.

“When Kevin Grevioux and Robert Sanchez presented us with I, Frankenstein we knew immediately that this was a great and original franchise that could best utilise Patrick’s extraordinary talent and vision,” Luchesi said.

“The re-imagining of the Frankenstein mythos and the diverse creatures of legend is a dream project for me”, Grevioux said. “I’m blessed and thankful that both Tom and Gary really sparked to the material and recognised this property’s potential as not only a film, but a launch pad for various multi-media platforms.

“And a chance to work with such a visionary titan as Patrick again makes this experience even more amazing.”

Grevioux is represented by Scott Agostoni of WME. Tatopoulos is handled by Emile Gladstone of ICM.