Universal Pictures is anxiously awaiting the release of their first Classic Monster film The Mummy next month. With the studio entering the Cinematic Universe game they have decided to take it in another direction with their Classic Monster films. Which includes The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. All of which is expected to enter this upcoming universe along with The Bride of Frankenstein and even Van Helsing.
However, today the studio released a small teaser with footage from their past films announcing that the film universe will now be retitled Dark Universe. With the motion graphic appearing before each film starting with The Mummy:
The announcement also confirmed several casting announcements that has been rumored over the years. The studio released the following photo which confirms Johnny Depp as the Invisible Man, Javier Bardem as Frankenstein’s Monster, Tom Cruise as soldier-of-fortune Nick Morton, Sofia Boutella as The Mummy, and Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll.
Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Pictures added in a statement:
“We take enormous pride in the creativity and passion that has inspired the reimagining of Universal’s iconic monsters and promise audiences we will expand this series strategically. The enterprise masterfully developed by Chris (Morgan) and Alex (Kurtzman) will allow each subsequent chapter the right time to find the perfect cast, filmmakers and vision to fulfill it. As we launch Dark Universe with Danny’s provocative theme before The Mummy and collaborate with a brilliant filmmaker like Bill to weave the story of a very modern woman in a very classic tale, we feel confident we’re off to a tremendous start.”
The next film slated in the Dark Universe is The Bride of Frankenstein set to be released February 14th, 2019. With casting to be announced very soon however no actress has signed onto that film. Angelina Jolie has been rumored for a while to direct and star but that has yet to be confirmed.
With Universal claiming the Dark universe title for their entire cinematic universe it will be interesting if Warner Brothers keep the Dark Universe title for their upcoming DC Comics supernatural superhero movie or switch it back to Justice League: Dark. Which is a much more bankable title after this November’s Justice League ensemble film.