Universal Revives The Dark Universe (As A Theme Park)

Universal's ambitious plan to take on the likes of Disney and Marvel with its Dark Universe extended cinematic universe might not have turned out as expected, but you can't keep a good monster down for long. Especially when you can revive the brand as a new theme park attraction.

The film studio has announced that it'll open five new attractions at Epic Universe, the upcoming latest theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, all based on its iconic movie monster franchises. Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and a "new generation of monsters and characters" can be seen int Darkmoor, a ravaged village set inside of the Dark Universe.

Inside Darkmoor, guests can visit Frankenstein Manor and meet Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, who is conducting a few sinister experiments. As part of the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride, this creepy tour will see Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Brides of Dracula escape their cages and chase after guests.

Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man and takes place in a forest full of cursed creatures. If you feel like getting into the spirit of things, you can have your face painted at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and temporarily transform into one of your favorite monsters.

Other attractions include eateries like Das Stakehaus, De Lacey's Cottage, and The Burning Blade Tavern, themed restaurants full of vampires, Frankenstein's monsters, and hunters. Universal says the new section will open up in 2025 as part of the Epic Universe.

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The Dark Universe film franchise officially kicked off in May 2017. The official cast photo featured Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Javier Bardem, and Johnny Depp. Cruise, Crowe, and Boutella all starred in The Mummy, a film that was set to debut a month after the infamous photo was taken, while Depp and Bardem would have starred in remakes of The Invisible Man and Bride of Frankenstein, respectively.

Sadly, The Mummy wasn't successful enough for Universal--it made $409 million worldwide--and Universal switched gears to focus on solo stories instead of interconnected movies, leading to Jason Blum and Blumhouse productions producing a critical and commercial remake of The Invisible Man.