Universal Pictures just announced the studio’s upcoming films featuring classic movie monsters will collectively be known as “Dark Universe.” In support of the “Dark Universe” announcement, the studio released a short video montage from classic horror films as well as unveiling the “Dark Universe” logo. The logo, accompanied by a new musical theme composed by Danny Elfman, will appear in theaters in front of The Mummy.
The Mummy starring Tom Cruise is the first film in the series and will debut in theaters on June 9, 2017. Universal announced the second film will be Bride of Frankenstein directed by Bill Condon (Beauty and the Beast) and targeting a Thursday, February 14, 2019 theatrical release. The “Dark Universe” films will also include The Invisible Man starring Johnny Depp and Frankenstein’s Monster starring Javier Bardem.
“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,” said The Mummy director Alex Kurtzman and producer Chris Morgan who are credited as the core creatives behind “Dark Universe.” “The studio and our fellow creative collaborators 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.”
“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,” said Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Pictures. “The enterprise masterfully developed by Chris and Alex 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.”
“I grew up on monsters,” added Elfman. “Monsters were my life, and these iconic Universal monsters were almost like my family. I simply wouldn’t be the same without them. When I got the opportunity to compose a theme for the Dark Universe logo, of course I jumped at it. What could be more fun than connecting to this world that has always been so deeply imbedded in my psyche? I tried to find something that was new but still had some connections with the past—the origins—at least in a subtle way. Something that was looking forward to a creative, fertile, imaginative future that Dark Universe will enter, and at the same time saluting the heritage of the tragic heroes (or anti-heroes) of my childhood. To the Monsters!!!!”
Commenting on his attachment to direct Bride of Frankenstein, Bill Condon said, “I’m very excited to bring a new Bride of Frankenstein to life on screen, particularly since James Whale’s original creation is still so potent. The Bride of Frankenstein remains the most iconic female monster in film history, and that’s a testament to Whale’s masterpiece— which endures as one of the greatest movies ever made.”
