Dark Universe Is Making an Unexpected Return

Universal is reviving the Dark Universe brand as part of this epic universe theme park.

Dark Universe is making a surprising return. The branding for Universal Pictures’ failed attempt at launching a shared universe around modern versions of the Universal Monsters characters will be repurposed for an “immersive world” featured at Universal Epic Universe, opening at Universe Orlando in 2025. The press release for Universal Epic Universe describes Dark Universe as an attraction “where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.” You can get an idea of what Universal Studios is trying to do with Dark Universe in the Universal Epic Universe announcement video below.

According to Universal’s press release, Epic Universe’s focus is on immersion, “transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic.” The hope is that Epic Universe will turn Universal Orlando into a destination for week-long family vacations.

Epic Universe will include five “immersive words.” Universal’s press release lists them as:

Epic Universe will also add three new hotels to Universal Orlando. They are Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The Helios is located inside the park.

Announced in 2017, Dark Universe was Universal’s big cinematic universe swing. Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Russell Crowe, and Javier Bardem were attached to the project.

Universal’s planned Dark Universe movies included The Invisible Man starring Depp, The Wolf Man, Van Helsing, and others. However, the poor performance of the first Dark Universe movie, Cruise and Boutella’s The Mummy, led to Universal scrapping the entire project.