Latest news with #DarkUniverse
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Netflix Tudum: Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' trailer teases Jacob Elordi's monster
Netflix Tudum: Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' trailer teases Jacob Elordi's monster Show Caption Hide Caption See Universal's Dark Universe 'creepy' sneak peek at Epic Universe The Dark Universe at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe brings classic horror staples to life, such as the Bride of Frankenstein and the Invisible Man. It's alive! Netflix debuted a spooky first trailer for Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" during the streamer's Tudum event on Saturday, May 31. The latest adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi will transform into Frankenstein's monster. Isaac's Victor Frankenstein begins the trailer by saying, over a shot of a ship in the Arctic, that he has become determined that "the memory of my evils should die with me." Later, when asked who created the creature, a tortured Victor replies, "I did." From there, the footage teases scenes of Victor Frankenstein tinkering in his lab, building up to a shot of lightning striking and bringing life to the monster. "In seeking life, I created death," Dr. Frankenstein says, and the movie's tagline declares that "only monsters play God." The trailer concludes with Frankenstein's monster, whose face is obscured, attacking a group of men on a ship before calling out for his maker, growling, "Victor!" Mia Goth also stars as Victor Frankenstein's fiancée Elizabeth Lavenza, who is briefly seen in the footage. Netflix Tudum 2025: Lady Gaga emerges from coffin, reveals guest role in 'Wednesday' Season 2 "Frankenstein" is a passion project for del Toro, the Oscar-winning director of "The Shape of Water" and "Pan's Labyrinth." During an event in January previewing Netflix's 2025 slate, the filmmaker said the movie "has been on my mind since I was a child, for 50 years," and that he has been trying to make it for about 25 years. "In fact, some people may even think I am a little bit obsessed with 'Frankenstein,'" he quipped. "And they probably would be right. You see, over the decade, the character has fused with my soul in a way that it has become an autobiography. It doesn't get more personal than this." Jacob Elordi calls 'The Kissing Booth' movies 'ridiculous' "Frankenstein" will be the latest high-profile revitalization of a classic monster story after Robert Eggers' 2024 film "Nosferatu," a remake of the silent movie that was itself an unauthorized adaptation of "Dracula." "Frankenstein" is set to debut in November.
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Epic Universe's Monster Lore Gives Us the Best Possible Dark Universe
When you visit Epic Universe's Dark Universe, you get hints of a story that's so mysterious you'll want to keep coming back to learn more. In Darkmoor Village, where monsters and humans co-exist—barely—the relationship between the villagers, the mad scientist in her castle with her monsters, and the vampires below is a very fragile menagerie of the macabre. When io9 visited Darkmoor during Epic Universe's opening week, we couldn't help but wonder if the dense canon introduced would offer some insight into Universal's abandoned Dark Universe film franchise. It turns out that some elements in the attractions, details in the land offerings, and immersive interactions echo what was once supposed to herald an Avengers-like assembly of the Universal Monsters on the big screen. Landmarks When you enter Darkmoor, you pass by a massive crypt where you hear Victoria Frankenstein's assistant Ygor shuffling about with the land's version of Frankenstein's Monster looking for victims to use in her experiments. There's squelching noises and creepy creature screeches, and it's so cool to get the sense of story as soon as you walk in. We previously covered how when you meet Frankenstein's Monster along with the Bride, she's not his Bride but his friend. The Monster we're more familiar with is displayed in a glass resting place within Frankenstein Manor. However, before you get that deep into the land, you first come across the village square which features a well that at night glows blood red. The familiars in the land shared that it's there as a monument to the dominance the vampires have on the village, and is where blood sacrifices are made to the vampire hive below in the catacombs—dark unipart of a pact to keep a balance struck between the living and the dead. In the ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, you see that the original Dr. Frankenstein played a huge role in the careful and sensitive cessation of carnage, and it's something his granddaughter fights to maintain. We also learn that Victoria Frankenstein has assembled monsters under her 'control;' the last remaining one she's trying to dominate is Dracula, but he's playing very hard to get. When the Dark Universe films were still in play, Alex Kurtzman, the director of the only entry that actually made it to theaters—2017's The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise—talked about the framework that was to have anchored the planned series. In his film, Russell Crowe's Dr. Jekyll headed up an organization devoted to keeping tabs on supernatural bad guys. 'We wanted to know that monsters existed for millennia. And we knew that as the story evolved there was going to be an organization that was maybe cataloging them, following them, collecting them,' Kurtzman explained at a December 2016 press event io9 reported on at the time. 'That would determine the good ones from the bad ones. That was sort of the keeper of that secret history.' That idea carries over into the theme park, albeit very minimally. Dr. Jekyll currently only has a brief interactive moment at his apothecary window, where you can hear him tell you to discover more monsters at the Burning Blade Tavern—and to tell the bartender Dr. Jekyll sent you. We didn't get to try this as alcohol was not provided to press but it results in you being offered a choice between two shots: a Jekyll or Hyde one. You can guess that in Darkmoor, Jekyll might side with Victoria's initiative, while Hyde is definitely with the monsters. The comic-themed merch In the panels of comics decorating Epic Universe merch (we're waiting for real issues!) and in the Monsters Unchained ride queue, we see Victoria front and center doing just what was envisioned for the movies: cataloging, following, and collecting. So it feels like the concept for the theme park canon retained that through line. There are definitely some monsters who are more heroic than others aligning themselves with the side that will have the lowest body count. Yet, it still mirrors the Dark Universe's cinematic plans. In 2016, The Mummy director Kurtzman looked to the Dark Universe future at that same press event. 'To me, the fun of the promise of bringing them together is that they're probably going to fuck each other up pretty badly,' he said then. 'It's not going to be a pretty room with those guys in it. And that's a lot more exciting than people who are going to behave nobly and predictably. It just makes it a more interesting experience, and a more interesting prospect.' And that's pretty much what happens on the ride between Frankenstein, the Wolfman, and Dracula and his Brides (while the Phantom of the Opera plays sweet tunes on his organ). Other pieces of merchandise that will get you other glimpses of the lore are the designs in the Dark Universe collection that depict the blueprints of Frankenstein Manor. Also, if you get transformed into a monster at the park's Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, then run into Ygor, you're recruited even more relentlessly than the average human to volunteer for the Frankenstein Experiment. Ygor is by far one of the most interesting walk-around characters created and really drives the lore in his interactions. Restaurant lore When asked back in 2016 how the Dark Universe monsters would end up teaming up, Kurtzman said ideas around that were still being formulated. But most important, he said, was the question 'Why would you bring them together? There has to be some kind of unifying reason if you're going to do that.' Dracula. Dracula is the drama. And I wonder if he was meant to be the big bad in the film universe just as much as he is the big bad in the theme park canon. When you go into the Das Stakehaus restaurant, you see the former vampire leaders of Darkmoor staked and on display atop the bar. Why? Well, Dracula felt their bending the knee to the Frankenstein family to try and co-exist to further the scientists' agendas was an affront to their kind. (Really, the familiars have all the tea, it's fabulous.) So the conflict is there—Dracula wants to take control back of the village for a feast, instead of letting Victoria Frankenstein continue her experiments. Clearly, it's an ongoing battle. Like the familiars at the restaurant, the interactive characters at the Burning Blade Tavern have even more to share. The monster hunters that hang out there motion to the monster heads on display behind the bar, including another 'creature' from the Darkmoor swamplands, and be careful going in there in monster makeup. We also got hunter knowledge as to why Dracula is barefoot with the ugliest toenails on the ride (a detail that's going viral). Their version of why—and we are not sure if they were joking—is that allegedly it was done as a way to shame Dracula when he was captured, by taking his shoes off when he was chained. And honestly, that's so foul I would be so mad about it too. It's rumored that the stories they tell of monsters they're on the hunt for (and that we have yet to meet) are Easter eggs for future Dark Universe expansions and we hope it's true. And it really ties in the monsters that were all floated for the cinematic universe, which included the Invisible Man (who is a roaming character at the park), Dracula, Jekyll/Hyde, the Wolfman, the Creature From the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Bride. We'd love to see a boat ride featuring the Creature some day. Dark Universe is now open at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida.
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Epic Universe's Monsters Unchained ride dares guests to face Frankenstein's legacy
Epic Universe's Monsters Unchained ride dares guests to face Frankenstein's legacy Show Caption Hide Caption See Universal's Dark Universe 'creepy' sneak peek at Epic Universe The Dark Universe at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe brings classic horror staples to life, such as the Bride of Frankenstein and the Invisible Man. ORLANDO, Fla. — Not everything is shiny and new in Universal Orlando Resort's new Epic Universe theme park. Some things are dark and twisty and rooted in Universal's legacy of classic horror films. Monsters like mummies and werewolves live on in Dark Universe, one of five worlds at Universal Epic Universe. Unlike Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, this world is more foreboding than scary, but as guests quickly learn from its can't-miss attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, monsters still shouldn't be crossed. There are a few startling moments, but more than anything, this thrill ride is stunning. The queue alone, set in Frankenstein manor, is worth seeing with richly detailed rooms and next-level animatronics. The technology has been a talker since Monsters Unchained was first announced. Between the animatronics, massive practical sets and ultra high-definition graphics, it's hard to tell what's physically there versus on screen. However, the heart of the attraction is a thought-provoking original story: Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant of the same doctor who brought the first Frankenstein to life, is trying to clear her family's name. She's not only created a new version of the monster, named Henry, but trying to bring all monsters under her control, and Dracula is not going down easily. As their battle wages, guests grapple with a question posed in the ride's queue: Who's the true monster? Monsters Unchained has a 48-inch height requirement. Guests who are tall enough but unsure if they will fit the ride vehicles can test seats in two different locations: outside and a semi-private room mid-queue. The ride is also accessible to guests who use wheelchairs. Meet the monsters Guests who either can't or don't want to ride Monsters Unchained can still make memories by meeting monsters in person, like the Bride of Frankenstein and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's new creature Henry. Those two have scheduled meet and greets, but other characters like The Invisible Man and Ygor roam throughout Dark Universe. Take the time to talk to them. The Invisible Man is a bit snarky and Ygor may hurry off to continue collecting body parts for Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, but it's all in good fun. The reporter on this story received access from Universal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Photos: Florida's $6bn Epic Universe park sees grand opening with spectacular firework, draws huge crowd
Photos: Florida's $6bn Epic Universe park sees grand opening with spectacular firework, draws huge crowd The Epic Universe's focal point is Celestial Park. Visitors can then access the Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk. ...read more 1 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout The $6 billion Epic Universe park at Universal Orlando Resort is fully open for public after six years of construction.A kid uses his magic wand to cast spells at an interactive game around at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 2 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout Celestial Park is the centerpiece of the 750-acre Epic Universe. Guests can then access the five parks known as: Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of take a selfie as they arrive for the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 3 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout Celestial Park, which Universal claims "puts the 'park' back in 'theme park'", has eateries, stores, rolling gardens, canals, and stand at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 4 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout Attendees interact with the animatronic Snow Dragon at "How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 5 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout FILE PHOTO: An attendee wearing a costume interacts with character Ygor at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS) 6 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout FILE PHOTO: An attendee uses her phone to take a selfie before entering the "Dark Universe" world at Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS) 7 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People attend Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 8 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout A general view shows "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 9 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People interact with a game at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 10 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People ride The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS) 11 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People attend a fireworks and light show during the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 12 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout A woman uses her phone as performers play at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 13 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People walk near Phoenix Gate at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 14 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People enjoy drinks at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 15 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People ride The Curse of the Werewolf roller coaster at "Dark Universe" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 16 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout A woman uses her phone as performers play at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 17 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout A woman uses her phone to create social media content at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 18 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout A man walks into the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry roller coaster at "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic" world in Universal Epic Universe theme park ahead of the grand opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS) 19 / 19 View Photos in a new improved layout People attend a fireworks and light show during the Universal Epic Universe theme park grand opening celebration in Orlando, Florida, U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
All the Spooky Details We Loved at Epic Universe's Darkmoor
Universal Studios Orlando's Epic Universe is now open, and its horrors are loose in the Dark Universe. To Universal Monsters fans, the Dark Universe is everything we've wanted to see come alive in a horror theme park dedicated to the terrifying and strange. Without the films, there would be no Universal Pictures or the first Universal Studios theme park, for that matter. Epic Universe's Darkmoor is a monument to the monster legacy at the studio, and it's befitting of all the creature comforts in store for fans. The moment you enter, Danny Elfman's score for the land echoes through the nooks and crannies of the cobblestone streets and bounces off the brick buildings. You'll see little homages to various characters, such as Dr. Jekyll's Apothecary, which we wish was a real shop. There's a number of walk around characters that share the lore of the monsters, and you might run into the bandaged form of the Invisible Man, or even the Bride and the Monster. On the attractions, the first monsters of the franchise including the Hunchback of Notre Dame (look up when the bell tolls) and the Phantom of the Opera make their presence felt. The haunting worlds of original films are canon but do get expanded on in intriguing ways. When you meet the Monster you find out he's just the Bride's friend, and the experiment from the James Whale movie she was made for lies dead in the queue of Monsters Unchained. To really get the sense of what those stories would have evolved to in the modern day, you actively have to pay attention to all the small details. When you get there, Ygor asks you to volunteer to help Victoria Frankenstein bring glory back to the family name on her quest to control Dracula (yeah, good luck sis). And even the vampire familiars at Das Stakehaus echo the sentiment that there's no tying that undead man down. Over at the Burning Blade Tavern ,you get more about the villagers' sentiments about who the real monsters are in Darkmoor: the creations or the humans who seek to overpower them? I wish I'd been able to spend more time in the area to talk to every performer to get as much lore out of them as possible because it's dense. And we only got a few hours there to gather as much spooky intel as possible and try the food and do the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. I am already itching to go back! To an extent, for the casual theme park fan, it might be a bit much to really wrap their heads around when they ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. You do get to see that Victoria has continued the work of her family name in many ways including making her own version of the monster. But there's also video clips that play of her and Ygor capturing the Creature From the Black Lagoon and the Wolf Man—there might be more clips but we went through the queue rather quickly. I imagine that she thinks that by making some sort of Monster Squad she'll live up to her family reputation but might be in over her head. We can't wait to see how the world continues to grow as more people visit Darkmoor. Check out the gallery below to get a taste of the fun details and Easter eggs! Epic Universe is now open at Universal Studios Orlando. Travel and accommodations were provided for the purposes of this review.
