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CNET
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
I Never Saw Animatronics Like This: Epic Universe Team Reveals Challenges of Theme Park Tech
I can't take my eyes off Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. I've seen plenty of theme park animatronics before, but as this robot moves fluidly in front of me, there's something otherworldly about how she was designed: her digitally animated face is projected on a physically animating head, and it looks like a video game character has come to life. But just as I try to figure out what makes her tick, I'm distracted by the reveal of another jaw-dropping animatronic: her 800-pound, 9-foot-tall green monster walking toward the audience. Now Playing: How Universal's Robots Push Boundaries of Animatronics 08:55 It's only fitting that some of the most advanced animatronics created reside in Dark Universe, a spooky world where mad scientists push the limits of technology. This is one of five immersive lands inside Universal's Epic Universe, a new theme park in Orlando, Florida -- and the first major theme park to open in the US in 20 years. At the grand opening this month, I spoke with some of the creative minds who brought the tech to life, which you can watch in the video embedded above. For several years, I've been reporting on how technology is enhancing theme park experiences, but I've never quite seen something at the scale that Universal has pulled off. Not only did the team patent new technology for characters like Dr. Frankenstein, but it was impressive to see the sheer number of robotics scattered all over these themed worlds. At Isle of Berk, a land themed to the viking world from the How to Train Your Dragon movies, there are 30 animated figures just lounging about -- some sleeping dragons, some blasting icy air, others just swinging near stores -- all exposed to Florida's harsh summer temperatures. The dragons of Berk take on multiple robotic forms. Some are untethered, as cute baby dragons perform stunts and walk around guests. These young dragons move in a way that's reminiscent of other quadruped dog-style bots. If you visit Toothless, dragon trainers make sure you know the rules to not touch the eyes or teeth. CNET The star of the land is a life-size, interactive and emotive Toothless that you can touch (and even feel him breathing). Another animatronic version of Toothless flies over your head in a stage show. But Berk is full of dragons, and there are plans to include drones (er, flying dragons) to soar above the land throughout the day. Some guests have spotted one being tested in the park already. But when you have more moving parts, it means more can go wrong. With robots woven into almost every aspect of entertainment here, Universal certainly faces more risk in keeping the experience smooth for guests with high expectations. Universal's creative teams told me during my visit that it was a risk the company wanted to take to try something new. I hope they can keep the effects running as intended. As someone who follows emerging tech, it's delightful to see it used to bring fantastical worlds to life. Sometimes, tech really does feel like magic.
Gizmodo
29-05-2025
- 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.
Gizmodo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Epic Universe's Best Ride Might Just Come From the Dark Universe
The portal into a whole world of gods and monsters has been opened at Epic Universe, Orlando, Florida's newest theme park. The Universal Monsters reign supreme at the Dark Universe, where you explore the world of Darkmoor that just so happens to be the place where so many of Universal Studios' classic horror films intersect. io9 was thrilled to be among the first to ride its main attraction: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. At the center of the action is the Frankenstein Manor, where Victoria Frankenstein resides and continues the mad work of her ancestor Victor. She's built a new monster prototype and aims to capture the horrors of the icons of fright. Under her watch she's got the Phantom of the Opera, the Creature From the Black Lagoon, and more with the help of her Frankenstein she aims to dominate Dracula. What transpires is an awesome and action-packed thrill ride into the monster mash of your dreams if you're a horror fan. You see Victoria, a badass leather-donning scientist, and her monster attempt to harness Drac's power—but it might be more than they can keep their grip on because: BAT! Dracula can burst into smaller creatures of the night and aims to escape domestication for some sort of Monsters Avengers team-up. Yes, really. The ride itself uses a similar mechanism to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, where you are moved around practical and video scenes to witness the story. Along the way you bear witness to exciting monster squad squabble up moments with state of the art animatronics. To me, it's my favorite ride and I love how passionate the lore crafted around it seemed to be. If the ride were to breakdown, I'd say 'Well, I guess I live here now'—that's how amazing the showrooms are. For thrill ride fans, Epic Universe also features Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster inspired by the Wolf-Man that also features incredible animatronic work. While you might not be able to live there, Darkmoor feels the most lived-in, in the best way. The wandering interactions with Igor, the Invisible Man, the Monster, and the Bride of Frankenstein weave a new classic story you're a part of. The Bride even calls this new Frank her friend as the body of her Frankenstein rests in the queue of Frankenstein Manor. They're existing in a timeline where monsters are celebrated and feared by the villagers. They even have a Burning Blade Tavern, which homages the studio's original horror film universe and incorporates the lore into the ambiance and even the menu items. I love myself a character-shaped pretzel and you'll find a Frankenstein one here to suit your snacking needs. And one of the most killer facts? The score of the land is composed by none other than 'Dead Man's Party' legend Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice). There's even a part-exclusive vinyl you can buy of his work, pressed for a limited special release only in the theme park land. The Dark Universe also offers the chance to not only walk among the creatures of the night but be one too, thanks to the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. It's the most important spooky, scary appointment you need to make if you go. Mad scientists, er, makeup artists transform you and help you look like you walk among the shadows beneath the scorching Florida sun. It's worth it and there's even cosplay lite fashion gear to feel like you belong. For the first time in my life, I finally found a theme park land where I felt the most at home and in my true form. Epic Universe opens this Friday at Universal Studios Orlando. Travel and accommodations as well as the monster make-up demo were provided for the purposes of this review.
USA Today
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Epic Universe watchlist: See the movies that inspired Universal's new theme park
Epic Universe watchlist: See the movies that inspired Universal's new theme park Show Caption Hide Caption Early look at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe's SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Universal Orlando's Epic Universe park will include five new themed areas including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Here's an early look inside. Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park opens to the public this May. The park features five immersive lands: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and "How to Train Your Dragon" – Isle of Berk. Epic Universe is located about 15 minutes away from Universal Orlando's existing parks. Universal Orlando's highly anticipated fourth park is opening next month, filled with immersive experiences inspired by classic horror films, Nintendo video games, the "How to Train Your Dragon" movies and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are five new worlds for guests to explore at the theme park — Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. Parkgoers absolutely do not need to be experts on each worlds' lore to enjoy the new park, but it doesn't hurt to catch up on the media that inspired the newest immersive experiences at Universal Orlando Resort. Here's what to add to your watchlist ahead of Epic Universe's opening this month. When in 2025 will Epic Universe open? Epic Universe officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 22, 2025, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. It will be at Universal's new south campus, about 15 minutes down the road from Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Universal Orlando's CityWalk dining, retail and entertainment complex. Celestial Park Out of the five new worlds at Epic Universe, Celestial Park is the only one not tied to existing intellectual property. No movies, TV shows, or video games are connected to the world. It is located at the center of the theme park, serving as the gateway to the four other worlds, which are all accessed by themed portals. It houses several eateries and two rides — Stardust Racers and Constellation Carousel. Universal Orlando describes the new world as a place where "wondrous discoveries await among the lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains." "Begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds, full of sensory delights for all to enjoy together," Universal writes. Dark Universe Described as a "shadowy world where the unknown lurks around every corner," Dark Universe takes classic Universal monsters off the screen and places them in real life. There are two rides — Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf. Universal says parkgoers will explore "a village ravaged by the wrath of unearthly creatures and the monstrous experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein." There are a lot of examples of remakes and reimaginings of the iconic monsters featured in Dark Universe. Watch 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula' on AppleTV From 'Dracula' to 'The Creature from the Black Lagoon,' here are the classic monster movies to binge before visiting Dark Universe: " Frankenstein " (1931) - Stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " (1931) - Stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) - Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. (1935) Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " Dracula" (1931) - Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. (1931) Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " The Wolf Man " (1941) - Stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " (1941) Stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " The Mummy " (1932) - Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " (1932) Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " The Invisible Man " (1933) - Stream it on IndieFlix. You can also stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " (1933) Stream it on IndieFlix. You can also stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " Werewolf of London " (1935) - Stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. " (1935) Stream it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954) - Stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. You can stream for free on FlixHouse. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features rides, dining and immersive attractions based on the Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong franchises. It features two specific lands — Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. In a press release last year, Universal described the new world as a 'multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way." The best way to prepare for the world is to refresh your skills for the Super Mario game series, especially the race tracks on Mario Kart. As for movies, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" hit theaters in 2023 and is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video or Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or purchase on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Watch 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' with Prime Video The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic The new theme park brings the iconic Ministry of Magic, from the "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" franchises, to life. This new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes parkgoers to 1920s Wizarding Paris. Fans of the franchise will recognize elements from the "Fantastic Beasts" movies. After passing through this world's portal, guests will first journey from a Muggle park in Paris into Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in the wizarding part of Paris, lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance. There is only one ride in Epic Universe's Ministry of Magic — "Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry," a dark ride where guests travel by Métro-Floo, from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic. All eight Harry Potter films — "Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), "Chamber of Secrets" (2002), "Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004), "Goblet of Fire" (2005), "Order of the Phoenix" (2007), "Half-Blood Prince" (2009), "Deathly Hallows Part 1" (2010), and "Deathly Hallows Part 2" (2011) — are now available to stream on Peacock and Max. The "Fantastic Beasts" trilogy is also available to stream on Max. Watch the 'Harry Potter' movies with a Paramount+ free trial Isle of Berk Epic Universe also houses the mythical land from the popular 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise – Isle of Berk. It's a Viking-sized village, set during the golden age of harmony between Vikings and dragons (think: between the second and third movie). These are all the movies and shows to watch to understand the lore behind the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe: " How to Train Your Dragon" (2010): You can stream it currently on Peacock and Max. You can watch it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. (2010): You can stream it currently on Peacock and Max. You can watch it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. "How to Train Your Dragon 2" (2014) : You can stream it currently on Peacock. You can watch it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Video. (2014) You can stream it currently on Peacock. You can watch it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Video. "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" (2019) : You can stream it currently on Peacock. You can watch it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. (2019) You can stream it currently on Peacock. You can watch it by renting or purchasing on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. "Dragons: Race to the Edge" (2015 - 2018): You can stream all six seasons on Netflix. Watch the 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies with Prime Video Universal and DreamWorks have also teamed up for a live-action version of the hit animated franchise, coming out in theaters on June 13, 2025. The upcoming flick stars Mason Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker (Astrid), Gerard Butler (Stoic), Nick Frost (Gobber), and Julian Dennison (Fishlegs). Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
