Screenwriter Says The New VAN HELSING Was Inspired By MAD MAX

In a new interview with HitFix meant to promote this weekend's Lights Out, screenwriter Eric Heisserer had something interesting to say about Universal's upcoming reboot of the Universal Monsters, specifically their updated take on Van Helsing. (which Heisserer is co-writing with Jon Spaihts).

Says Heisserer:

I can only say that early on, our inspiration for his behavior and his mannerisms was all in Mad Max.

Well, that's...huh. That's certainly an unexpected source of inspiration. I'm assuming Heisserer's referring specifically to the character of Mad Max - his stoicism, his blunt-force approach to violence, maybe even his fashion sense - and not, say, any specific Mad Max film. 

I'm curious to see how this translates (if at all; Heisserer does say the inspiration came to them "early on" in the writing process) to Universal's new take on Van Helsing, which will presumably arrive towards the tail end of this Universal Monsters Shared Universe thing they're working on. And while I remain skeptical of this entire enterprise, I will never poo-poo someone for suggesting that they've been inspired by Mad Max, who should inspire all of us.

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