Javier Bardem in Talks to Join Universal's Monsters Universe as Frankenstein

Universal may be adding another star to its expanding monsters universe. 

Javier Bardem is in early negotiations to star as Frankenstein in the studio's cinematic universe, based on classic monster movies.

Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe are already on board to star in the universe's inaugural film The Mummy, which will see Cruise play a special forces soldier and Crowe portray the classic literary characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

It is still unclear if Bardem will portray either Dr. Frankenstein or Frankenstein's monster. Furthermore, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the Oscar winner is not necessarily in negotiations to play Frankenstein in a stand-alone movie, but rather will act as a player in Universal's greater monsters universe. 

The studio has been eyeing Bardem to play a key role in the burgeoning cinematic universe. The actor was up for the role of Jekyll/Hyde, but the part ultimately went Crowe.

Bardem stars alongside Charlize Theron in Sean Penn's The Last Face, which made its debut at Cannes. The No Country for Old Men actor is set to star in Disney's fifth Pirates of the Caribbean installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Bardem is repped by WME and Bloom Hergott.