I Would Offer Condolences to the Fans of The Dark Universe, but…

…It’s not dead

It was with deep sadness that we thought we had learnt the fate of The Dark Universe. A young (sort of) franchise, just starting out and finding it’s feet. That seemed to have already met a horrible end.

We have seen the rise and fall of two of the greatest monsters – Dracula and The Mummy. We have felt the withering of a third – The Bride of Frankenstein. And we lament.

BUT! **Update** If you did as I suggest at the bottom of this post and follow Universals Dark Universe you will have recently had brought to your attention a little news. Whispering in dark corners and building its strength, the Dark Universe is not dead, only biding its time.

Great meeting this morning with the amazing #DarkUniverse team. Thank you #Universal Exec, Holly Goline and Crash for the hospitality. Looking forward to contributing to the Universal Pictures legacy with my work. Monster things in the works 😉 Stay tuned! #Amazing people #RobertVargas #RobertVargasArt #CantStopWontStop #LA #Artist #LAmurals

A post shared by R O B E R T V A R G A S (@therobertvargas) on May 10, 2018 at 11:31am PDT

[Updated 18/5/18] 

I reviewed The Mummy with great hope and optimism for The Dark Universe’s future. I looked forward to it’s promised delights. And I still do.

It is not over.

We’ve learned many lessons throughout the creative process on Dark Universe so far, and we are viewing these titles as filmmaker-driven vehicles, each with their own distinct vision. We are not rushing to meet a release date and will move forward with these films when we feel they are the best versions of themselves. – Peter Cramer, Universal’s President of Production

Here’s what we know about The Dark Universe’s Fate

Whilst many are saying the Universe is dead, Universal have not. They are looking for better stories, the right directors, and they are in no rush. They are choosing to learn and adapt -I sincerely hope they do not give up. What we know so far:

• Alex Kurtzman – Kurtzman’s contract lapsed in September and he moved to focus on Star Trek & Star Trek: Discovery
• Chris Morgan – working on the Fast and Furious Franchise, with no confirmation he has departed The Dark Universe
• Bride of Frankenstein – Plug pulled during pre-production, the studio wants to make sure the right story is being told before going forward with this movie
• Dracula: Untold – The original first movie of the reboot, but ditched when it didn’t make the numbers at the American box office
• The Mummy – not the roaring success they were hoping for either
• No new movies have planned release dates
• Universal is moving forward with The Dark Universe – just with a little more care.
• El Soloman (writer) has confirmed his departure from The Invisible Man

For more details and information on The Dark Universe check out Steven Biscotti’s post on Universal Monsters Universe

[Updated: Feb 15th 2018]

P.S. Universal? I have some ideas…

Kate Trinity

Horror and Fantasy Author – Also writing as K.T. McQueen. Love Western Horror, cowboy boots, my cactus Collin, & my Demon Cat.
Moths – I hate moths, the way they flutter at your face!