Hugh Jackman’s Cult-Classic Universal Monster Movie Finds a New Hunting Ground on Streaming Next Month

Legendary monsters have certainly had their time in the spotlight, but when does the monster hunter get his turn to shine? With recent arrivals like Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu and Gary Dauberman’s Salem’s Lot showcasing the power of the bloodsucking undead, who will step up to tell the tale of the fictional man who put his life on the line to fend off these terrifying creatures? While there may not be a movie in the works, audiences can soon tune into Peacock for the timely drop of 2004’s action-horror flick with a side of unintentional comedy when Stephen Sommers’ Van Helsing embraces the fight against the powers of darkness on October 1. Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, the critically panned film may not have the most outstanding reviews, but its campy leanings have solidified its status as a timeless cult classic that still holds up more than two decades later.

As the title suggests, Van Helsing follows the legendary hunter, who is played in the film by Jackman. Sent on a mission by the top tier in Vatican City, Van Helsing is tasked with ensuring the demise of Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) and keeping a watchful eye over Anna (Beckinsale) and Velkan Valerious (Will Kemp), who will help him in his quest. Along the way, audiences cross paths with plenty of monsters from the Universal catalog, including werewolves, Frankenstein’s monster, Mr. Hyde, and scores of vampires.

Filling out the primary ensemble backing Jackman in his vampire-hunting role is a lineup that includes David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Kevin J. O’Connor (There Will Be Blood), Shuler Hensley (Oklahoma!), Robbie Coltrane (the Harry Potter film series), Samuel West (All Creatures Great and Small) and more. Although the film completely missed the mark with critics, landing an abysmal 24% critics’ approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was a financial success, raking in more than $300 million at the box office.

What’s Next for Hugh Jackman?

After wowing the world thanks to reprising his role as his beloved character, Logan Howlett aka Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine, fans are eager to see if there will be more of Jackman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars approach. For now, he’s staying busy with a handful of other projects all outside the realms of superhero flicks. Set to release in cinemas just in time for the holiday rush, Jackman’s next project, Song Sung Blue, will see him appear opposite Kate Hudson in Craig Brewer’s biographical drama about the Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning & Thunder.

Beyond that, he’s gearing up for the release of the heartfelt and easy-going live-action animated hybrid film, Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie — mystery film by Kyle Balda. Finally, Jackman and co-stars such as Jodie Comer and Bill Skarsgård recently wrapped filming on the thriller, The Death of Robin Hood, in which Jackman will star as the titular vigilante in the latest project from Michael Sarnoski.

Head over to Peacock on October 1 to stream Van Helsing.