Can you picture a hunchbacked Harry Potter scurrying around a decrepit lab as he brings a mad scientist his various bubbling test tubes and other such knick-knacks? And without glasses, of course!

Soon, the movies will do the picturing for you (though we doubt it will be that extreme), as Daniel Radcliffe is in final negotiations to take on the role of monster maker's assistant Igor in a new version of "Frankenstein," according to Variety.

Based on Mary Shelley's oft-adapted 19th century novel (in which the character of Igor does not appear), this is one of several "Frankenstein" projects in various stages of development at different studios. The Radcliffe "Frankenstein" is setting up its laboratory at Fox, with Paul McGuigan (TV's "Sherlock") on board to direct from a script by Max Landis ("Chronicle").

Shooting is expected to commence in the fall after Radcliffe's run in the West End play "Cripple of Inishmaan."

The main question is why is Radcliffe playing Igor and not Victor Frankenstein, a role he's more than perfect for? It will be interesting to see what kind of spin on the classic gothic horror yarn is in store, though for now this "Frankenstein" is only being described as "a tale of friendship and redemption." Huh.

Daniel Radcliffe will next be seen as beat poet Allen Ginsberg in "Kill Your Darlings," which premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. He's also got the romantic drama "The F Word" and the bizarre horror fable "Horns" coming out this year.