Universal's Monster Universe Is Now 'The Dark Universe'
Well it isn't a surprise but Universal's long-awaited classic monster movie universe is picking up steam. Universal Studios has officially titled the universe. It will now be known as the Dark Universe. This universe joins the crowded universe game, along with Marvel's Cinematic Universe, DC Extended Universe, King Kong/Godzilla Universe, and Star Wars Universe.
The first film in this universe will be The Mummy starring Tom Cruise. Universal is looking to its past to reimagine classic monster films. The Wolfman and Bride of Frankenstein are on the new slate. The Bride of Frankenstein is scheduled for a 2019 release and will be directed by Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon.
Similar to how the Marvel Universe has a central theme leading up to a climax, the Dark Universe will revolve around a secret organization called the Prodigium and they are rooting out the world's evil forces. Studio masterminds Chris Morgan and Alex Kurtzman talked about the creative process.
“When Universal approached us with the idea of reimagining these classic characters, we recognized the responsibility of respecting their legacy while bringing them into new and modern adventures. The studio and our fellow creative collaborators [Christopher McQuarrie and David Koepp] have championed and challenged us as we’ve begun to spin the web of Dark Universe. It’s our hope these movies will engross longtime fans and spark the imaginations of brand-new ones.”
Javier Bardem will be playing Frankenstein in Bride of Frankenstein. More casting news for the Dark Universe include Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll, Tom Cruise as world-traveler Nick Morton, Johnny Depp as the Invisible Man, and Sofia Boutella as The Mummy.
The universe will officially kick off with the release of The Mummy. Here is the official trailer for the new universe.
Other films in development are all untitled. Although they have been announced. A Creature from the Black Lagoon film, Invisible Man film, Van Helsing film, and a Wolf Man film.
I'm sure if this universe takes off there will be more films added to the slate. I'm excited to watch another cinematic universe and follow the story of the secret organization the Prodigium.
Source: Screen Rant
