Monster-Hunter Movie Spawns Series

Though "Van Helsing" won't hit big screen until next summer, plans are already in the works for a television series based on the movie.

"Van Helsing" tells the story of 19th century monster hunter Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (played by Hugh Jackman) as he heads to Eastern Europe to take on the legendarily evil Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh). The screenplay and direction are provided by writer/director Stephen Sommers of "The Mummy", "The Mummy Returns", and "The Scorpion King".

The television series will not be a prequel or sequel, but will take place in the "Van Helsing" world. What makes the deal unusual is the commitment to a TV pilot before movie is even released. Sommers will write the script for the pilot episode as well as act as executive producer for the series.

"Van Helsing" the movie is currently in post-production, with a release date of early May 2004.

Source: Variety