Universal Monsters#Dark Universe

Universal's early horror films were adaptations of work from familiar authors and texts to give their films a prestige appeal. These included Dracula (1931), whose success led to the production of other works such as Frankenstein (1931).{{sfn|Mank|1981|p=13}}{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=5}} Frankenstein{{'}}s ending was changed by studio head Carl Laemmle Jr., who wanted Universal to be able deploy key characters from the film into subsequent Universal productions.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=5}} Following the release of other Universal films such as The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935), there was a dry spell of horror films.{{sfn|Weaver|Brunas|Brunas|2007|p=63}}{{sfn|Weaver|Brunas|Brunas|2007|p=120}}{{sfn|Chibnall|Petley|2002|p=59}}{{sfn|Worland|2007|p=68}} Universal only returned to the style following a successful theatrical re-release of Dracula and Frankenstein. The renewed interest in horror films led to new works, starting with Son of Frankenstein (1939).{{sfn|Weaver|Brunas|Brunas|2007|p=63}}{{sfn|Weaver|Brunas|Brunas|2007|p=120}}{{sfn|Chibnall|Petley|2002|p=59}}

Universal would only introduce a few new monsters in the 1940s, with the most famous being Lon Chaney Jr. as The Wolf Man in The Wolf Man (1941).{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=8}} The decade had Universal's horror output include many remakes and sequels, with films often directly reusing old sets, footage, and narratives to replicate moments in their earlier horror productions.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=12}}

Universal's first transmedia properties appeared in the 1940s and the 1950s with the films Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), House of Dracula (1945) and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948).{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=3}} In these films, the monsters from the studio's earlier films "team up" against various characters. Author Megan De Bruin-Molé suggested that the Universal Classic Monsters films exist as a loose mash-up, which allowed for Dracula to exist and be watched separately from Frankenstein but allowed their characters to be systemically and consistently brought together and developed in other films and media.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=6}} These productions made were often crossovers and sequels, such as Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula and several occurrences in comedy films of Abbott and Costello meeting the monsters. These meetings started with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and ended with Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955).{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=6}}{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=9}} De Bruin-Molé wrote that this approach from Universal was for commercial marketing terms, as it would establish the company as the "real" home of horror. Their films contained a world where potentially all monsters may dwell.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=11}} The sole new monster films that Universal produced in the 1950s were the Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and The Mummy (1959), the latter as a co-production with the British Hammer Film Productions.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=13}}

Towards the 1960s, the Universal monsters grew beyond film and became more consistently transmedial. Initially, this began in 1957 when Universal struck a ten-year television deal with Screen Gems to distribute 52 of their own titles.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=13}} These television screenings and the films being included on Mel Jass' Mel's Matinee Movie (1958-1979) would also prove to be popular. Stephen Sommers, director of The Mummy (1999), stated that his introduction to the series was on Jass's program.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=14}} Universal became part of the Music Corporation of America (MCA) in 1962. By 1964, Universal Studios tours would eventually include appearances from Frankenstein's monster.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|pp=14-15}} Several products based on the characters from Universal's film series were released, ranging from plastic model kits, Halloween masks, figures, plush dolls, toys, drinking glasses, coloring books and postage stamps. While some of these objects bear similarity to the actors who portray them, others are more generic interpretations.{{sfn|Rue Morgue|2015|p=110|ref=UM-RM}} Other mediums featured the Universal monsters in tandem, such as Bobby "Boris" Pickett's 1962 popular song "Monster Mash" and the television series The Munsters (1964) which was based on the likeness of the Universal characters.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|pp=14-15}}

In 1990, Universal was part of a merger between Matsushita, now known as Panasonic, and several other corporations. Between 1991 and 1994, Universal released VHS home video editions from their catalogue of horror films. This was the first time these films were packed together as the "Classic Monster" line, accompanied with a newly designed logo.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|pp=14-15}} Prior to this home video series, the Universal films that featured multiple monsters were called "Super-Shocker[s]" or "monster rallies".{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|p=4}} Louis Feol, the head of Worldwide Home Video for Universal Studios, said that the most important thing was the packaging of their sales. He added that it was "probably our single biggest priority and has been for a number of years", and that it was key to make the series of films "look like a line".{{sfn|McCullaugh|1992|p=63}}{{sfn|Bessman|1999}} In a 1999 interview, Feol stated that creating the series was to "reinvigorate and re-market" the Universal catalog, specifically with their series of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Phantom of the Opera, The Wolf Man, and The Mummy.{{sfn|Bessman|1999}}

The 1990s also saw a trend in the merchandising of Universal Monsters material as part of a trend for the decade of recycling and reinventing old material from the past.{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|pp=14-15}} This led to the release of Stephen Sommer's The Mummy (1999) and a "monster rally"-styled film with Van Helsing (2004).{{sfn|De Bruin-Molé|2022|pp=15-16}} Merchandizing of the characters in formats such as clothing and board games has continued into the 21st century.{{cite web|date=August 19, 2020|title=Unique Vintage Launches Universal Monsters Collection|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/apparel/unique-vintage-launches-universal-monsters-collection|publisher=Licesnse Global}}{{cite web|last=Kondrad|first=Jeremy|date=July 10, 2019|title=Universal Monsters Ravensburger Game Horrified Coming August 1st|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/universal-monsters-ravensburger-horrified/|publisher=Bleeding Cool|accessdate=July 18, 2021}} The franchise is featured in the Dark Universe portion of Universal Orlando theme park, Universal Epic Universe, which opened on May 22, 2025.{{cite web |last1=Stella |first1=Alicia |title=Everything We Know About Epic Universe - Universal Monsters|date=26 December 2022 |url=https://orlandoparkstop.com/news/theme-park-news/everything-we-know-about-epic-universe-universal-monsters/|publisher=Theme Park Stop}}

| Joe May

| Curt Siodmak & Lester K. Cole

| Curt Siodmak & Joe May

| Ken Goldsmith

| {{Cite web |title=The Invisible Man Returns |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79368/the-invisible-man-returns#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/4677-THE-INVISIBLEMANRETURNS?sid=8dca54fd-cd82-4cce-9b05-70dbe65c628f&sr=0.16996631&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Mummy's Hand

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1940|9|20|}}

| Christy Cabanne

| colspan="2"| Griffin Jay and Maxwell Shane

| Ben Pivar

| {{Cite web |title=The Mummy's Hand |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/84116/the-mummys-hand#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/8151-THE-MUMMYSHAND?sid=3735f87a-6f21-4a12-8e3f-8d64394d25c7&sr=0.11233749&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Invisible Woman

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1940|12|27|}}

| A. Edward Sutherland

| Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo & Gertrude Purcell

| Curt Siodmak & Joe May

| Burt Kelly

| {{Cite web |title=The Invisible Woman |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79377/the-invisible-woman#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/8128-THE-INVISIBLEWOMAN?sid=9c57506a-eef8-4135-b66c-358a283d27f1&sr=0.11687481&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Wolf Man

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1941|12|12|}}

| George Waggner

| colspan="2"| Curt Siodmak

| rowspan="2"| George Waggner

| {{Cite web |title=The Wolf Man |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/96098/the-wolf-man#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/27080-THE-WOLFMAN?sid=b7a18c3f-3bee-4b85-826d-4460b6a88f9a&sr=0.111276776&cp=1&pos=1 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Ghost of Frankenstein

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1942|03|06|}}

| Erle C. Kenton

| William Scott Darling

| Eric Taylor

| {{Cite web |title=The Ghost of Frankenstein |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/76206/the-ghost-of-frankenstein#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/27241-THE-GHOSTOFFRANKENSTEIN?sid=0fe59c40-8996-4515-a243-15d767c308e8&sr=0.13714686&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Invisible Agent

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1942|07|31|}}

| Edwin L. Marin

| colspan="2"| Curt Siodmak

| Frank Lloyd

| {{Cite web |title=The Invisible Agent |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79355/the-invisible-agent#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/27280-THE-INVISIBLEAGENT?sid=391cfabf-e95f-4a88-bc14-caab3647a16b&sr=0.14671725&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Mummy's Tomb

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1942|10|23|}}

| Harold Young

| Griffin Jay & Henry Sucher

| Neil P. Varnick

| Ben Pivar

| {{Cite web |title=The Mummy's Tomb |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/84118/the-mummys-tomb#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/27362-THE-MUMMYSTOMB?sid=a060db98-b636-4fcd-a45f-aa0ebbe334e8&sr=0.11340132&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1943|03|05|}}

| Roy William Neill

| colspan="2"| Curt Siodmak

| rowspan="2"| George Waggner

| {{Cite web |title=Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/75594/frankenstein-meets-the-wolf-man#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/438-FRANKENSTEIN-MEETSTHEWOLFMAN?sid=b4d7a7e5-1193-4268-b9a7-c2ca4806332d&sr=0.21783105&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Phantom of the Opera

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1943|08|12|}}

| Arthur Lubin

| Samuel Hoffenstein & Eric Taylor

| John Jacoby

| {{Cite web |title=Phantom of the Opera |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/86597/phantom-of-the-opera#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/613-PHANTOM-OFTHEOPERA?sid=6ce98b90-c811-454f-86f3-fbad602ed9a3&sr=0.1489223&cp=1&pos=1 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Son of Dracula

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1943|11|05|}}

| Robert Siodmak

| Eric Taylor

| Curt Siodmak

| Ford Beebe and Donald H. Brown

| {{Cite web |title=Son of Dracula |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/90801/son-of-dracula#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/681-SON-OFDRACULA?sid=6f7349df-da81-44b0-8929-f40f5c90c8ae&sr=0.14543384&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Invisible Man's Revenge

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1944|06|09|}}

| Ford Beebe

| colspan="2"| Bertram Millhauser

| Ford Beebe

| {{Cite web |title=The Invisible Man's Revenge |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79369/the-invisible-mans-revenge#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/860-THE-INVISIBLEMANSREVENGE?sid=c55fe0d7-f026-4e94-a6fb-17af1b2ca1ee&sr=0.15574831&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Mummy's Ghost

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1944|06|30|}}

| Reginald LeBorg

| Griffin Jay, Henry Sucher & Brenda Weisberg

| Griffin Jay & Henry Sucher

| Ben Pivar

| {{Cite web |title=The Mummy's Ghost |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/84115/the-mummys-ghost#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/24085-THE-MUMMYSGHOST?sid=a49ce191-26d3-4f7d-b99e-5339d8426028&sr=0.11411822&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | House of Frankenstein

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1944|12|15|}}

| Erle C. Kenton

| Edward T. Lowe Jr.

| Curt Siodmak

| Paul Malvern

| {{Cite web |title=House of Frankenstein |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/78538/house-of-frankenstein#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/24453-HOUSE-OFFRANKENSTEIN?sid=667e4c1e-1313-4958-a8ea-e04a5f37af7f&sr=0.12907432&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Mummy's Curse

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1944|12|22|}}

| Leslie Goodwins

| Bernard Schubert

| Leon Abrams & Dwight V. Babcock

| Oliver Drake

| {{Cite news |date=1944-12-21 |title=The Mummy's Curse in 1944 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-enquirer-the-mummys-curs/162178153/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |pages=9}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" | House of Dracula

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1945|12|07|}}

| Erle C. Kenton

| Edward T. Lowe

| Dwight V. Babcock & George Bricker

| Paul Malvern

| {{Cite web |title=House of Dracula |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/78532/house-of-dracula#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/24451-HOUSE-OFDRACULA?sid=e6e6bd05-e2d6-4dc0-8e47-1558cb316d7c&sr=0.15089545&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| She-Wolf of London

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1946|04|05|}}

| Jean Yarbrough

| George Bricker

| Dwight V. Babcock

| Ben Pivar

| {{Cite web |title=She-Wolf of London |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/89880/she-wolf-of-london#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/24953-SHE-WOLF-OFLONDON?sid=3b20906e-d99f-4d4d-baf5-494cdbb2d30f&sr=0.17388497&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1948|06|15|}}

| Charles T. Barton

| colspan="2"| Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo & John Grant

| Robert Arthur

| {{Cite web |title=Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/66686/bud-abbott-and-lou-costello-meet-frankenstein#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/25390-BUD-ABBOTTANDLOUCOSTELLOMEETFRANKENSTEIN?sid=5488ea78-c360-4c16-a616-70b2f247b474&sr=0.20902458&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1951|04|03|}}

| rowspan="2" | Charles Lamont

| Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo & John Grant

| Hugh Wedlock Jr. & Howard Snyder

| rowspan="2"| Howard Christie

| {{Cite web |title=Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/66687/abbott-and-costello-meet-the-invisible-man#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/50001-ABBOTT-ANDCOSTELLOMEETTHEINVISIBLEMAN?sid=9a6ede34-fb48-4137-9daf-65afb9a02010&sr=0.18964843&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1953|08|12|}}

| Lee Loeb & John Grant

| Sidney Fields & Grant Garrett

| {{Cite web |title=Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/66685/abbott-and-costello-meet-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/50734-ABBOTT-ANDCOSTELLOMEETDRJEKYLLANDMRHYDE?sid=38e626b4-a4d5-4114-82e9-d1cd2f946c0a&sr=0.1746514&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Creature from the Black Lagoon

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1954|02|12|}}

| rowspan="2" | Jack Arnold

| Harry Essex & Arthur Ross

| Maurice Zimm

| rowspan="2"| William Alland

|

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Revenge of the Creature

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1955|03|29|}}

| Martin Berkeley

| William Alland

| {{Cite web |title=Revenge of the Creature |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/88127/revenge-of-the-creature#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/51635-REVENGE-OFTHECREATURE?sid=6c05bc84-79cb-4ae6-ac56-3372579a99dc&sr=0.14990461&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1955|06|23|}}

| Charles Lamont

| John Grant

| Lee Loeb

| Howard Christie

| {{Cite web |title=Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/66690/abbott-and-costello-meet-the-mummy#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/51418-ABBOTT-ANDCOSTELLOMEETTHEMUMMY?sid=e6e7809c-cb4c-4a7b-8b0f-b3736cfbf714&sr=0.20468388&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|-

! scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| The Creature Walks Among Us

| style="text-align:center;" | {{Start date|1956|04|26|}}

| John Sherwood

| colspan="2"| Arthur Ross

| William Alland

| {{Cite web |title=The Creature Walks Among Us |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/71748/the-creature-walks-among-us#overview |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/51792-THE-CREATUREWALKSAMONGUS?sid=6d6c9f7b-d722-49de-a4c7-7c60deb52405&sr=0.22054407&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=catalog.afi.com}}

|}

Beginning in October 2013, Universal hired Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman to collaborate in developing a relaunch of the Universal Monsters characters as a new shared universe of films similar in fashion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, notably a franchise which includes interconnectivity that originated previously in the classic Universal Monsters films.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/universal-monsters-universe-roberto-orci-alex-kurtzma/|work=Collider|title=Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman Planning Universal Monsters Cinematic Universe|author=Goldber, Matt|date=October 18, 2013|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/van-helsing-and-the-mummy-will-set-up-a-monster-universe-for-universal/|work=MovieWeb|title=Van Helsing and The Mummy Will Set Up a Monster Universe for Universal|author=Gallagher, Brian|date=October 18, 2013|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=November 2024|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} By July 2014, the studio officially hired Chris Morgan to replace Orci and work alongside Kurtzman in overseeing development of an interconnected series of films based around rebooted versions of the Universal Monster characters. The duo was tasked with creating the overall outline for the titular monsters.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/07/universal-classic-movie-monsters-805169/|work=Deadline|title=Universal Taps Alex Kurtzman, Chris Morgan To Relaunch Classic Movie Monster Franchises|author=Fleming, Mike Jr.|date=July 16, 2014|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} The development of a cinematic universe continued as Kurtzman and Morgan became involved with additional photography for Dracula Untold (2014); reshoots positioned the final scenes of the film in modern-day, in order to connect with other films and to allow the cast to reprise their roles in future installments.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/dracula-untold-universal-shared-monsters-universe/|work=ScreenRant|title='Dracula Untold' Begins Universal's Monster Movie Shared Universe|author=Schaefer, Sandy|date=October 2, 2014|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} The film's connections to the new franchise were later downplayed following its mixed critical and financial reception,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/universal-dark-universe-dracula-untold-netflix/|work=Comic Book Resource|title=Failed Universal's Dark Universe Film Finds New Success on Streaming|author=Coman, Monica|date=June 26, 2024|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is part of Valnet. Per WP:VALNET, CBR (formerly Comic Book Resources) is seen as having been reliable pre-Valnet purchase in 2016. Content after 2016 is seen as generally unreliable.|date=November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/07/13/what-universal-must-do-to-sell-its-classic-monsters-universe/#7772cec46b38|work=Forbes|title=What Universal Must Do To Sell Its Classic Monsters Universe|author=Mendelson, Scott|date=July 13, 2016|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} with The Mummy (2017) repositioned as the official start of the shared film universe.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/dark-universe-movies-canceled-universal/#:~:text=Other%20scrapped%20films%20in%20the,a%20remake%20of%20Van%20Helsing.|work=ScreenRant|title=7 Dark Universe Movies That Didn't Happen Because Of 2017's The Mummy Failure|author=Barker, Stephen & Lewis Glazebrook|date=March 3, 2024|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} In May 2017, the slate of reimagined incarnations of titular monsters was officially titled Dark Universe. The studio announced the franchise with a press release, which debuted the official logo, website, trailer, and score.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/universal-monsters-dark-universe-bride-of-frankenstein/|work=Collider|title=Next 'Dark Universe' Monster Movie Will Be 'Bride of Frankenstein' in February 2019|author=Goldber, Matt|date=May 22, 2017|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} Universal Pictures, in collaboration with Kurtzman and Morgan, created a writer's room consisting of various contributors to create stories that were to be expanded into scripts,{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/universal-monsters-universe-movies-chris-morgan-interview/|work=Collider|title=Chris Morgan Gives Universal Monsters Universe Update; Movie Order Still Up in the Air|author=Chitwood, Adam|date=April 10, 2017|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} which were intended to be rooted in horror as opposed to the action adventure nature of the studio's previous remakes.{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/universal-monsters-reboot-shared-universe-horror-movies/|work=MovieWeb|title=Universal Monsters Reboots Will Be Horror Movies|author=Gallagher, Brian|date=August 11, 2015|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is part of Valnet. Per WP:VALNET, we should potentially find better sources backing these statements.|date=November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/the-mummy-2017-teaser-footage-tom-cruise/|work=MovieWeb|title=The Mummy Teaser Starring Tom Cruise Arrives, Full Trailer Coming Sunday|author=Orange, Alan B.|date=October 1, 2016|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is part of Valnet. Per WP:VALNET, we should find better sources backing these statements.|date=November 2024}} The Mummy introduced its ancient titular monster (played by Sofia Boutella), alongside the heroic character portrayed by Tom Cruise whose adventures as a monster were intended to expand upon in later installments.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/12/05/the-mummy-tom-cruise-trailer-alex-kurtzman/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|title=The Mummy director Alex Kurtzman on making a modern-day monster movie|author=Franich, Darren|date=December 5, 2016|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/the-mummy-2017-ending-explained/|work=ScreenRant|title=The Mummy 2017 Ending Explained|author=Colbert, Stephen M.|date=November 9, 2023|access-date=December 17, 2024}} Prior to the film's release, additional cast officially joined the franchise as announced by Universal Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/dark-universe-invisible-man-johnny-depp-frankenstein-monster-javier-bardem/|work=MovieWeb|title=Depp and Bardem Confirmed as Invisible Man and Frankenstein's Monster|author=Scott, Ryan|date=May 22, 2017|access-date=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=January 2025|reason=Per WP:VALNET, as discussed on talk page}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/05/universal-monsterverse-dark-universe-photo-depp-bardem-crowe-cruise.html|work=Vulture|title=How That Amazingly Terrible Universal-Monster-Universe Cast Photo Happened|author=Harris, Hunter|date=May 31, 2017|accessdate=December 17, 2024}} The studio revealed a slate of films,{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/can-universal-create-a-marvel-like-universe-mummy-monster-flicks-1008839/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Can Universal Create a Marvel-Like Universe With 'The Mummy' and Other Monster Flicks?|author=Siegel, Tatiana|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-rethinks-key-movie-franchises-a-mixed-summer-at-box-office-1022322/the-mummy-8/?utm_source=twitter|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Hollywood Rethinks Key Movie Franchises Amid a Mixed Summer at the Box Office|author=Rebecca Ford, Borys Kitt, & Carolyn Giardina|date=July 21, 2017|access-date=September 7, 2024}} but following the poor critical reception and underwhelming box office performance of The Mummy (2017), Universal cancelled pre-production that had begun on Bride of Frankenstein which was to be the next film in the franchise, and postponed all plans for the Dark Universe slate of films.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/alex-kurtzman-chris-morgan-exit-universal-monsterverse-1055854|title=Universal's 'Monsterverse' in Peril as Top Producers Exit (Exclusive)|author=Kit, Borys; Aaron Couch|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2025|archive-date=April 5, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250405141658/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/alex-kurtzman-chris-morgan-exit-universal-monsterverse-1055854/}}

In January 2018, the production studio began reconfiguring their approach to the Universal Monsters,{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/24/dark-universe-being-reconfigured-by-universal-after-setbacks|work=IGN|title=Dark Universe Being 'Reconfigured' By Universal After Setbacks|author=Oloman, Jordan|date=January 24, 2018|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/dark-universe-monster-movies/|work=ScreenRant|title=Universal's Dark Universe Might Not Be Dead After All|author=Schaefer, Sandy|date=May 18, 2018|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} and following the departures of Kurtzman and Morgan from their roles as co-architects of the franchise, the studio decided to abandon a shared cinematic universe in favor of returning to standalone adaptations of the characters instead.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/ryan-gosling-wolfman-movie-universal-1203426491/|work=Variety|title=Ryan Gosling's 'Wolfman' Gears Up at Universal as Director Decision Nears (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Kroll, Justin|date=May 29, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/universal-finds-director-invisible-man-studios-monster-legacy-1203117708/|work=Variety|title='Invisible Man' Finds Director, Sets New Course for Universal's Monster Legacy (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Kroll, Justin|date=January 25, 2019|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} After previously expressing interest in working with Universal Pictures on relaunching the characters for modern audiences,{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/blumhouse-prods-signs-10-year-production-deal-with-universal-pictures/|work=The Wrap|title=Blumhouse Signs 10-Year Production Deal With Universal Pictures|author=Cunningham, Todd|date=July 20, 2014|access-date=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/jason-blum-dark-universe-interest/|title=Spawn Producer Jason Blum Interested In Reviving Dark Universe|last=Dominguez|first=Noah|date=August 18, 2018|access-date=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/551271/dark-universe-budgets-and-lawsuit/|work=SlashFilm|title=Universal's 'Dark Universe' Films Will Have Wildly Different Budgets; Warner Bros. Considering Legal Action Over The Name|author=Hall, Jacob|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=December 17, 2024}} Jason Blum officially signed on to collaborate on a number of the projects in development. The producer later stated in 2020 that control of the Dark Universe and the Universal Monsters remains under the direction of Universal Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/dark-universe-movies-future-blumhouse-invisible-man-wolfman/|work=ScreenRant|title=Blumhouse Doesn't Have Control Of Dark Universe Despite Invisible Man & Wolfman|author=Zinski, Dan|date=November 11, 2020|access-date=September 7, 2024}}

• Dark Army: By September 2019, the film featuring monsters from the original films as well as new characters was in development. Paul Feig was attached as director, from a script of his own, and as co-producer with Laura Fischer. The project is a joint production between Universal Pictures and Feigco Productions.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/paul-feig-monster-movie-dark-army-universal-pictures-classic-monster-universe-1202732738/|title=Paul Feig, Universal Hatch New Monster Movie: 'Dark Army'|work=Deadline|author=Fleming, Mike Jr.|date=September 12, 2019|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} By October, Universal was reviewing his script as a reworking of the Dark Universe concept, while The Bride of Frankenstein is cited as a major influence.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1107365-exclusive-paul-feig-talks-universal-monsters-for-dark-army|work=ComingSoon.net|title=Exclusive: Paul Feig Talks Universal Monsters for Dark Army!|author=Evry, Max|date=October 28, 2019|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} By February 2020, Feig was working on a second draft of the script upon receiving input from Universal Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/paul-feig-dark-army-universal-monster-movie-update/|work=Collider|title=Exclusive: Paul Feig Gives an Update on His Universal Monster Movie 'Dark Army'|author=Chitwood, Adam|date=February 13, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} By that May, the filmmaker completed the newest draft while describing the tone as closer to the original films with horror elements, but a portrayal of the monsters as rejects.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/paul-feig-dark-army-update-universal-monster-movie/|work=Collider|title=Exclusive: Paul Feig Gives Update on 'Dark Army': "I Want to Make a True Monster Movie"|author=Chitwood, Adam|date=May 22, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} Feig had been given the option to develop films of any characters from the roster of monsters owned by Universal Pictures, prior to his chosen project.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/bride-of-frankenstein-universal-amy-pascal-angelina-jolie-1203500987/|work=Variety|title=Hollywood Still Trying to Put a Ring on Universal's 'Bride of Frankenstein' (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Donnelly, Matt|date=February 11, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bride-of-frankenstein-reboot-might-still-happen-de/1100-6473622/|work=GameSpot|title=Bride Of Frankenstein Reboot Might Still Happen Despite Dark Universe Failure—Report – GameSpot|author=Auty, Dan|date=February 11, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• Frankenstein: Originally announced in June 2017, the project was initially planned as a part of the abandoned shared universe films with Javier Bardem cast to portray the titular character, and following the studio's standalone approach James Wan signed on as producer in November 2019.{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3594869/james-wan-assembling-new-take-frankenstein/|work=Bloody Disgusting|title=James Wan Assembling New Take on 'Frankenstein'|author=Miska, Brad|date=November 20, 2019|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} Jason Blum expressed interest in joining the production in a producing role.{{cite web|url=https://evolutionofhorror.libsyn.com/the-invisible-man-2020-with-jason-blum-leigh-whannell|work=The Evolution of Horror|title=The Invisible Man (2020) with Jason Blum & Leigh Whannell|author=Muncer, Mike|date=Feb 27, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} Robbie Thompson was hired as screenwriter in 2020, while the plot is said to center around a group of teenagers who discover that a neighbor is creating a monster in their basement. The project is a joint production between Universal Pictures and Atomic Monster.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-wan-developing-monster-movie-universal-1282957|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=James Wan Developing Monster Movie for Universal (Exclusive)|author=Kit, Borys|date=March 6, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• The Invisible Woman: In November 2019, a reboot of The Invisible Woman was revealed to be in development. Elizabeth Banks was attached to star in, and direct the film, from a script written by Erin Cressida Wilson which was based on an original story written by Banks, also serving as a producer with Max Handelman.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/elizabeth-banks-invisible-woman-universal-1203417107/|work=Variety|author=Kroll, Justin|title=Elizabeth Banks to Direct, Star in Invisible Woman for Universal|date=November 26, 2019|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} Banks was given options to develop a film from any characters in the roster of monsters owned by Universal Pictures, while she chose the Invisible Woman.
• Monster Mash: In February 2020 a musical titled after and centered around the novelty song "Monster Mash", was revealed to be in development. Grammy Award nominee Matt Stawski was hired as a director, with Will Widger as screenwriter (from an original story written by Stawski), while Marty Bowen was put as producer. The project is a joint-venture production between Universal Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/musical-monster-mash-movie-works-at-universal-1277277|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Musical 'Monster Mash' Movie in the Works at Universal|author=Couch, Aaron|date=February 7, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• Untitled Dracula film: In February 2021, Chloé Zhao was hired to write and direct a separate futuristic sci-fi Western film centered around Dracula.{{cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=February 4, 2021|title=Golden Globe Nominee Chloé Zhao Directing 'Dracula' For Universal|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/golden-globe-nominee-chloe-zhao-directing-dracula-for-universal-1234687532/|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 8, 2024}} The filmmaker stated that she was continuing to work on the script in March of 2023.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/dracula-movie-scifi-western-chloe-zhao-update/|work=ScreenRant|title=Dracula Sci-Fi Western Movie Receives Promising Update From Director|date=March 13, 2023|accessdate=January 7, 2025 |last=- Bentz |first=Adam}}
• Little Monsters: In July 2020, Josh Cooley was hired as both writer and director, with a story centering around the characters from the Universal Monsters, inspired and based on drawings of the monster characters made by Crash McCreery who will be given an executive producer credit. The project is intended to serve as a "love letter to classic Hollywood and the history of film-making with a story that takes a multi-generational approach to the monsters and a more PG-rated, lighthearted family-friendly tone in the tradition of the classic '80s Spielberg films from Amblin Entertainment to match as well". The film is said to be a live-action/CGI hybrid, with Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman attached as producers. The project is a joint production between Universal Pictures and Mandeville Films.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/toy-story-4-director-josh-cooley-tackling-little-monsters-movie-1302832|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title='Toy Story 4' Director Josh Cooley Tackling 'Little Monsters' for Universal|author=Kit, Borys|date=July 10, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• Untitled Invisible Man sequel: In February 2020, Leigh Whannell stated that though The Invisible Man (2020) was developed as a standalone film, he considered to make a follow-up to this film.{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/the-invisible-man-elisabeth-moss-weighs-in-on-that-ending-and-a-potential-sequel-exclusive-142208|work=Entertainment Tonight|title='The Invisible Man': Elisabeth Moss Explains That Ending (Exclusive)|author=Boone, Josh|date=February 28, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} By May sequel discussions were ongoing,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uogq-LSMRPE|work=Fox 5 Washington D.C.|title=Jason Blum & Leigh Whannell talk Invisible Man sequel, Snyder Cut, Blade Runner & Superman|author=McCarthy, Kevin|date=May 23, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} and by that July, Leigh Whannell was working on writing the story. In April 2024, Elisabeth Moss revealed that she was working in collaboration with Blumhouse through her production company Love & Squalor Pictures to develop a sequel, while stating that the project was closer to realization than it had ever been before.{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/elisabeth-moss-gives-a-hopeful-update-on-the-invisible-man-2/|work=MovieWeb|title=Elisabeth Moss Gives a Hopeful Update on The Invisible Man 2|author=Melzer, James|date=April 26, 2024|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URvJgg0N9k8|work=Happy Sad Confused|title=Elisabeth Moss talks THE VEIL, THE HANDMAID'S TALE, INVISIBLE MAN sequel I Happy Sad Confused|author=Horowitz, Josh|date=April 25, 2024|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}{{SPS|date=March 2025}} By January 2025, however, Whannell stated that he will not be involved with a sequel, while expressing being content with the first film's story.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/wolf-man-leigh-whannell-deleted-scene-1236112170/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title='Wolf Man' Filmmaker Leigh Whannell Talks Key Deleted Scene and Why He's Unwilling to Make 'The Invisible Man 2'|author=Davids, Brian|date=January 17, 2025|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}

• Bride of Frankenstein: Initially planned as a part of the abandoned shared universe films, the studio continued development after shelving all projects associated with the Dark Universe. In February 2020, Universal hired Amy Pascal as producer on a new standalone adaptation of the character where the producer discussed rehiring David Koepp who had worked on the previous drafts of the script. After initially discussing the project with Sam Raimi who passed on the opportunity, Pascal began working on the film with John Krasinski. The project is intended to be a joint-venture production between Universal Pictures, Pascal Pictures, and Sunday Night Productions.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/bride-of-frankenstein-universal-amy-pascal-angelina-jolie-1203500987/|work=Variety|title=Hollywood Still Trying to Put a Ring on Universal's 'Bride of Frankenstein' (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Donnelly, Matt|date=February 11, 2020|accessdate=January 8, 2025}}
• Untitled Scorpion King reboot: In November 2020, a reboot of The Scorpion King film series was announced as being in development. Jonathan Herman was hired as screenwriter, with the plot taking place during modern-day and involving a contemporary adaptation of Mathayus of Akkad / Scorpion King. Dwayne Johnson, who started his acting career as the titular role in The Mummy Returns, was attached as producer alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. The project is a joint-venture production between Universal Pictures and Seven Bucks Productions.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/dwayne-johnson-scorpion-king-straight-outta-compton-jonathan-herman-1234611341/|work=Deadline|title='Scorpion King' Reboot In Works From Dwayne Johnson And Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions And Universal; 'Straight Outta Compton' Scribe Jonathan Herman Penning Script|author=Kroll, Justin|date=November 10, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• Untitled film: An untitled project was announced in November 2020, with Channing Tatum tentatively attached to star. Wes Tooke was hired as a screenwriter, from a story written by Reid Carolin, while Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were attached as producers alongside Tatum, Carolin, Peter Kiernan, and Aditya Sood. The plot is described as "a modern-day, tongue-in-cheek thriller", while being "a bold genre reinvention of one of the studio's most beloved characters from the Monsters Universe". The project is a joint-venture production between Universal Pictures, Lord Miller Productions, and Free Association Productions.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/21-jump-street-reunion-channing-tatum-lord-miller-mystery-monster-movie-universal-1234619625/|work=Deadline|title='21 Jump Street' Team Reunites As Channing Tatum, Phil Lord & Chris Miller Partner On Mystery Monster Movie At Universal|author=Kroll, Justin|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=September 7, 2024}}
• Van Helsing: Originally announced in 2015, the project was originally planned as a part of the abandoned shared universe films,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/van-helsing-reboot-jon-spaihts-eric-heisserer-universal-1201638593/|work=Variety|title=Universal's 'Van Helsing' Reboot Enlists Scribes Jon Spaihts and Eric Heisserer (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Kroll, Justin|date=November 14, 2015|access-date=September 7, 2024}} though the project had re-entered development in December 2020. Julius Avery was hired to direct, from a script based on a previous draft by Eric Pearson. James Wan was set to produce, with the project intended to be a joint-production between Universal Pictures and Atomic Monster.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/universal-james-wan-overlord-julius-avery-direct-van-helsing-1234635740/|work=Deadline|title=Universal And James Wan Tap 'Overlord' Director Julius Avery To Direct New 'Van Helsing' Movie|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=September 7, 2024}}
• Phantom: After previously attempting an adaptation that was planned as a part of the abandoned shared universe films, Universal purchased a speculative screenplay in December 2021, written by John Fusco which functions as a modern-day reboot of The Phantom of the Opera. The writer authored the script while working on his own record albums while in self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fusco determined to write a script that would be a musical, and be set in the French Quarter, Vieux Carré area of New Orleans in the United States. Incorporating aspects of rhythm and blues, jazz, neo-soul, and funk, the story is said to utilize French Creole nightlife culture of the geographical area, including voodoo and Mardi Gras, as well as the romance and mystery aspects of the original film. Harvey Mason Jr., John Legend, and Mike Jackson signed onto the project as producers, with the project being a joint-venture production between Universal Pictures, Harvey Mason Media, and Get Lifted Film Co. in a collaborative effort.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/universal-plots-french-quarter-set-adaptation-of-phantom-of-the-opera-studio-buys-john-fusco-spec-harvey-mason-jr-john-legend-mike-jackson-producing-1234888818/|work=Deadline|title=Universal Plots French Quarter-Set Adaptation Of 'Phantom Of The Opera'; Studio Buys John Fusco Spec, Harvey Mason Jr, John Legend & Mike Jackson Producing|author=Fleming Jr., Mike|date=December 10, 2021|accessdate=December 18, 2024}}
• The Creature from the Black Lagoon: Universal attempted various incarnations of producing a remake centered around the titular Gill-man throughout a number of decades (beginning as early as 1982), with various filmmakers attached at different times including: John Landis,Murray 2005, pp. 154–156. John Carpenter,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1992/voices/columns/olympics-to-cross-finish-line-in-style-1117862332/|work=Variety|title=Olympics to cross finish line in style|author=Archerd, Army|date=July 30, 1992|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} Peter Jackson,"Recreating the Eighth Wonder". King Kong (3-disc Deluxe Extended Edition DVD), 2006. Ivan Reitman,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1996/voices/columns/hiller-relieved-that-noms-weren-t-leaked-1117862860/|work=Variety|title=Hiller relieved that noms weren't leaked|author=Archerd, Army|date=February 12, 1996|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} Guillermo del Toro,{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/366/366961p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019225949/http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/366/366961p1.html|archive-date=October 19, 2008|work=IGN|title=Del Toro to Uni's Creature Redo|author=Linder, Brian|date=August 7, 2002|url-status=dead|access-date=October 5, 2024}} and Breck Eisner.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/u-s-creature-meets-maker-1117931280/|work=Variety|title=U's 'Creature' meets maker|author=Snyder, Gabriel|date=October 19, 2005|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} Some time in 2004, James Gunn pitched an adaptation of the character but the studio passed on adapting the script,{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/james-gunn-creature-black-lagoon-pitch-universal-reaction/|work=ScreenRant|title=Universal Rejected James Gunn's Creature From The Black Lagoon Pitch|author=Nelson, Jeff|date=June 24, 2021|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} while del Toro later repurposed his material for another unrelated project.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/how-guillermo-del-toros-black-lagoon-fantasy-inspired-shape-water-1053206/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=How Guillermo del Toro's 'Black Lagoon' Fantasy Inspired 'Shape of Water'|author=Kit, Borys|date=November 3, 2017|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} Beginning in June 2017, the project was planned as a part of the abandoned shared universe films. By August 2024, the modern-day adaption was once again in development and James Wan was hired as producer in addition to being in early discussions to serve as director.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/creature-from-the-black-lagoon-remake-james-wan-1236104140/|work=Variety|title='Creature From the Black Lagoon' Remake in the Works From James Wan|author=Rubin, Rebecca|date=August 12, 2024|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} By September, Sean Tretta was hired to write the script, which is based on an original story co-authored by Wan, Rafael Jordan, and Bryan Coyne. The project is a joint-venture production between Universal Pictures, and the newly-merged Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Productions.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/atomic-monster-creature-from-the-black-lagoon-sean-tretta-1236103522/|work=Deadline|title=Atomic Monster & Universal's 'The Creature From The Black Lagoon' Sets Sean Tretta To Write|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=September 30, 2024|access-date=October 5, 2024}}

• Dark Universe: In development as early as October 2013, the series of films was intended to relaunch the Universal Monsters characters, through a format similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe.{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/van-helsing-and-the-mummy-will-set-up-a-monster-universe-for-universal/|work=MovieWeb|title=Van Helsing and The Mummy Will Set Up a Monster Universe for Universal|author=Gallagher, Brian|date=October 18, 2013|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}{{better source|date=January 2025|reason=Per WP:VALNET, as discussed on talk page}} The projects were officially announced in July 2014, as Universal hired Chris Morgan and Alex Kurtzman to oversee the development of the rebooted modern-day versions of the Universal Monsters, with the duo's first involvements beginning with additional photography scenes filmed for Dracula Untold (2014) which positioned the characters of the film in modern-day. After the film underperformed its connections to the Dark Universe were downplayed, with The Mummy (2017) repositioned as the official start of the new film series. In May 2017, the slate of reimagined incarnations of titular monsters was officially titled, by the studio through a press conference including official logo, website, trailer video, and scored theme music composed by Danny Elfman. Universal Pictures worked with Kurtzman and Morgan to create a writer's room of various contributors to create stories that were to be expanded into scripts, where the films were intended to have horror as their primary genre, as opposed to the action adventure nature of the studio's previous remakes. The Mummy introduced its ancient titular monster (played by Sofia Boutella), alongside the heroic character-turned monster portrayed by Tom Cruise whose monstrous origins depicted in the film were intended to be expanded upon in later installments. Prior to the film's release, Universal Pictures announced the additional main cast of additional characters for the intended series alongside Cruise, including Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Edward Hyde, Johnny Depp as Dr. Griffin / the Invisible Man, and Javier Bardem as the Frankenstein Monster. Following poor critical reception and an underwhelming box office performance of The Mummy (2017), Universal postponed all plans for the Dark Universe slate of films. In January 2018, the production studio began reconfiguring their approach to the Universal Monsters, and following the departures of Kurtzman and Morgan from their roles as co-architects of the franchise, the studio abandoned the planned shared cinematic universe in favor of individualized standalone adaptations of the monsters. Years later, Universal revived the "Dark Universe" brand name for a Universal Monsters–themed land at its new Universal Epic Universe park at Universal Orlando.{{Cite web |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=June 20, 2024 |title=Universal reveals gender-flipped Frankenstein in Dark Universe classic monsters experience |url=https://ew.com/universal-epic-universe-dark-universe-concept-art-monsters-unchained-photos-8665652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209104927/https://ew.com/universal-epic-universe-dark-universe-concept-art-monsters-unchained-photos-8665652 |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=EW.com |language=en}} The studio had revealed an official slate of films including:

:* Frankenstein:{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mummy-director-reveals-2-new-titles-universals-dark-universe-1010865/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title='Mummy' Director Reveals 2 New Titles in Universal's Dark Universe|author=McMillan, Graeme|date=June 6, 2017|accessdate=January 1, 2025}} Javier Bardem was cast in the role of Frankenstein's Monster in May 2017, while the character was intended to initially debut in Bride of Frankenstein before starring in his own film.{{cite web|url=https://x.com/darkuniverse/status/866706548923314176|work=Universal Pictures - official X page|title=Witness the beginning of a #DarkUniverse.|publisher=Universal Pictures|author=Dark Universe|date=May 22, 2017|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/dark-universe-universal-what-happened/|work=Collider|title=What Went Wrong With Universal's Dark Universe?|author=Laman, Lisa|date=February 12, 2024|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}

:* Wolf Man:{{better source|date=January 2025|reason=Per WP:VALNET, as discussed on talk page}} With a script developed by Aaron Guzikowski,{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/fast-and-furious-sequels-justin-lin-universal-1201282337/|work=Deadline|title=Will Justin Lin Rev 'Fast & Furious' Finale?|author=Fleming Jr., Mike|date=November 12, 2014|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/universals-classic-monster-universe-takes-748371/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Universal's Classic Monster Universe Takes Shape With 'Fargo' and 'Prisoners' Writers|author=Kit, Borys|date=November 12, 2014|accessdate=December 31, 2024}} the studio had been interested in casting Dwayne Johnson in the titular role.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/dwayne-johnson-son-of-shaolin-jay-longino-graphic-novel-ryan-kalil-1201777586/|work=Deadline|title=Dwayne Johnson Sets Jay Longino Graphic Novel 'Son Of Shaolin' At Sony|author=Fleming Jr., Mike|date=June 22, 2016|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}

:* Bride of Frankenstein: The project was announced in May 2017, and was intended to be directed by Bill Condon with a script written by David Koepp,{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/bride-of-frankenstein-remake-details-bill-condon/|work=Collider|title=Bill Condon on How His 'Bride of Frankenstein' Subverts and Honors the Original|author=Foutch, Haleigh|date=October 3, 2017|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} with a February 14, 2019 release date.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/bride-frankenstein-reboot-director-2019/|work=ScreenRant|title=Bride of Frankenstein Director & 2019 Release Date Confirmed|author=Silver, Stephen|date=May 22, 2017|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} Angelina Jolie was in negotiations with the studio to star in the lead role,{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/angelina-jolie-bride-of-frankenstein-wanted-2/|work=Collider|title=Universal Wants to Make Angelina Jolie the 'Bride of Frankenstein'|author=Romano, Nick|date=November 24, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} before the film was delayed and removed from its scheduled release in October.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/bride-frankenstein-angelina-jolie-delay/|work=ScreenRant|title=Bride of Frankenstein Delayed; Angelina Jolie Still Involved|author=Zinski, Dan|date=October 5, 2017|accessdate=December 31, 2024}}

:* Dracula: By June 2017, a feature film titled and centered around the titular vampire was planned as a part of the Dark Universe franchise.

:* Creature from the Black Lagoon: A feature film centered around the character was initially in development as a part of the planned slate of films. Will Beall was hired to write the script,{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/creature-from-the-black-lagoon-will-beall-aquaman-universal-pictures-1202057300/|work=Deadline|title='Aquaman' Scribe Will Beall Diving Into Universal's 'Creature From The Black Lagoon'|author=Fleming Jr., Mike|date=March 31, 2017|accessdate=January 1, 2025}} while the studio considered Scarlett Johansson for a role in the film.{{cite web|url=https://www.tracking-board.com/tb-exclusive-universal-eyes-scarlett-johansson-to-star-in-creature-from-the-black-lagoon/|work=The Tracking Board|title={TB EXCLUSIVE} Universal Eyes Scarlett Johansson To Star In "Creature From The Black Lagoon"|date=April 8, 2015|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3339433/universal-eyes-scarlett-johansson-creature-from-the-black-lagoon/|work=Bloody Disgusting|title=Universal Eyes Scarlett Johansson For 'Creature From the Black Lagoon'?|author=Miska, Brad|date=April 9, 2015|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}

:* The Invisible Man: Announced initially in February 2016 with Ed Solomon writing the script, Johnny Depp was cast to star in the lead role.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/johnny-depp-star-universals-invisible-863603/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Johnny Depp to Star in Universal's 'Invisible Man' Reboot|author=Kit, Borys|date=February 9, 2016|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}

:* Phantom of the Opera: By June 2017, a feature film centered around the titular character was planned as a part of the Dark Universe franchise.{{cite web|url=https://www.fandom.com/articles/mummy-producer-says-phantom-hunchback-added-dark-universe|work=Fandom Movies|title='The Mummy' Producer Says Phantom and Hunchback Will Join Dark Universe|author=Taylor-Foster|date=June 4, 2017|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}

:* Hunchback of Notre Dame:{{better source|date=January 2025|reason=Per WP:VALNET, as discussed on talk page}} Alex Kurtzman announced developments for a Dark Universe film centered around the titular monster in June 2017.

:* Van Helsing: Development began on the project as early as June 2012,{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/alex-kurtzman-star-trek-2-sequel-people-like-us-interview/|work=Collider|title=Alex Kurtzman Talks PEOPLE LIKE US, STAR TREK 2, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, ENDER'S GAME and the VAN HELSING and THE MUMMY Reboots|author=Radish, Christina|date=June 25, 2012|accessdate=January 1, 2025}} when Alex Kurtzman worked on the first draft of script,{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/van-helsing-failed-reboots/|work=Collider|title=Every Van Helsing Reboot That Never Happened, From Tom Cruise to Channing Tatum|author=Laman, Lisa|date=February 1, 2024|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} taking inspiration from The Dark Knight as an influence. By July 2016, Eric Heisserer and Jon Spaihts were hired to collaborate on a new draft of the script, where the co-authors looked towards the lead character of the Mad Max franchise for further inspiration.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/van-helsing-reboot-mad-max/|work=Collider|title='Van Helsing' Reboot Inspired by Mad Max; Writer Teases Diversity of Universal Monsters Universe|author=Chitwood, Adam|date=July 19, 2016|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} The studio had been courting Channing Tatum to star in the lead role, after Tom Cruise had initially been considered to play the character prior to being cast his starring role in The Mummy (2017) instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-rethinks-key-movie-franchises-a-mixed-summer-at-box-office-1022322/the-mummy-8/?utm_source=twitter|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Hollywood Rethinks Key Movie Franchises Amid a Mixed Summer at the Box Office|author=Ford, Rebecca, Borys Kit & Carolyn Giardina|date=July 21, 2017|accessdate=January 20, 2025}}

:* Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: In June 2017, Alex Kurtzman confirmed plans for a feature film centered around the titular character.

• Untitled Mina Harker film: By March 2020, Karyn Kusama was hired to direct a film centered around Dracula, from a script co-written by Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay. The project was to be a joint-venture production, with Blumhouse Productions serving as the production studio.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-dracula-movie-works-as-universal-remakes-monsterverse-1283635|title=New 'Dracula' Movie in the Works as Universal Remakes Its Monsterverse (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|author=Siegel, Tatiana, & Borys Kit|date=March 10, 2020|access-date=September 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/dracula-karyn-kusama-blumhouse-1203529596/|work=Variety|title=Dracula Movie in Development at Blumhouse With Karyn Kusama Directing|author=McNary, Dave|date=March 10, 2020|access-date=September 7, 2024}} In June of the same year, Kusama stated that the film would be a "faithful adaptation" of Bram Stoker's Dracula, including the plot device of being told from various perspectives.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1137555-dracula-karyn-kusama-teases-her-faithful-adaptation-to-the-classic-novel|work=ComingSoon.net|title=Dracula: Karyn Kusama Teases Her Faithful Adaptation to the Classic Novel|author=Dela Paz, Maggie|date=June 8, 2020|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} The plot was intended to take place in modern-day Los Angeles with the working title Mina Harker. Jasmine Cephas Jones was cast to play Mina Harker while Dracula would have used the alias of Vladimir, but in April 2022, three weeks prior to its principal photography start date, the project was cancelled by the associated studios due to creative differences with Kusama. At the time that it was shelved, Miramax had been intended to be one of the associated production studios.{{Cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |last2=Fleming |first2=Mike Jr. |date=April 18, 2022 |title=Blumhouse-Miramax Dracula Movie 'Mina Harker' Scrapped |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/dracula-mina-harker-scrapped-jasmine-cephas-jones-karyn-kusama-blumhouse-miramax-1235005168/ |access-date=January 15, 2025 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

This table includes the Universal Monster characters and their respective actors for each film in the franchise. Additional characters include recurring primary characters of the Universal Studios Monsters franchise.

{{More citations needed|section|date=November 2024}}

Created by comic book author and artist Marv Wolfman, in collaboration with Universal Cartoon Studios, the show was developed to reintroduce the Universal Monsters to child audiences. The plot centers around a group of college-age students and their professor Dr. Reed Crawley to form a squad call the Monster Force, who through the use of some supernatural skills and technological weaponry must combat Dracula and his army called the Creatures of the Night. The series aired through broadcast syndication from April to July 1994. With mild viewership, the show was canceled after its first season.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/weirdest-cartoons-based-great-horror-movies/|work=Comic Book Resource|title=10 Weirdest Cartoons Based on Great Horror Movies|author=Bollettieri, Spencer|date=July 22, 2023|accessdate=September 13, 2024}}{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is part of Valnet. Per WP:VALNET, CBR (formerly Comic Book Resources) is seen as having been reliable pre-Valnet purchase in 2016. Content after 2016 is seen as generally unreliable.|date=November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EEwaFOFYAc|work=Screaming Soup!|title=Monster Force Re-animated Review|author=Screaming Soup! staff|date=February 3, 2015|accessdate=September 13, 2024}}

Created by Stephen Sommers in collaboration with Thomas Pugsley and Greg Klein, the show is an animated adaptation of the film series which had starred Brendan Fraser. The television show centers around Imhotep / The Mummy, while following the adventures of Rick O'Connell and his family. Featuring the voices of Jim Cummings, John Schneider, Chris Marquette, Grey DeLisle, and an ensemble of supporting cast, the show was marketed towards younger audiences through Universal Cartoon Studios. Airing on The WB through the Kids' WB! programming block from September 2001 to June 2003, the show received critical acclaim while some critics called the release superior to the feature-length sequels to the live-action 1999 film.{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is part of Valnet. Per WP:VALNET, CBR (formerly Comic Book Resources) is seen as having been reliable pre-Valnet purchase in 2016. Content after 2016 is seen as generally unreliable.|date=November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/the-mummy-animated-series-peacock-tv-review/|work=Collider|title='The Mummy' Animated Series Exists, But Shout It? - Saturday Morning Cartoons|author=Trumbore, Dave|date=July 25, 2020|accessdate=September 13, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1537838-the-mummy-the-animated-series-season-1-streaming-watch-and-stream-online-via-peacock|work=ComingSoon.net|title=The Mummy: The Animated Series Season 1 Streaming: Watch and Stream Online via Peacock|author=Ali, Hajra|date=February 24, 2024|accessdate=September 13, 2024}}

Following the financial successes of The Mummy Returns (2001) and its prequel The Scorpion King (2002), a series of Scorpion King films were produced and distributed straight-to-home video through Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Developed in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive-Peet, the short was released during The Colgate Comedy Hour as a live-television comedy sketch created to introduce audiences to The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Continuing the trend with previous installments where Bud Abbott and Lou Costello meet the Universal Monsters, the short follows a plot where the two actors explore the studio's prop room which references some of their previous interactions with the various characters, while encountering the Invisible Man, Frankenstein's Monster (Glenn Strange), and the Gill-Man (Ben Chapman).{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3583005/meet-monsters-ranking-monster-movies-unlikely-horror-icons-abbott-costello/|work=Bloody Disgusting|title=Meet the Monsters: Ranking the Monster Movies of Unlikely Horror Icons Abbott and Costello|author=George, Joseph|date=September 11, 2019|accessdate=December 18, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.monstersinmotion.com/cart/dvd-item-list-a-c-1_58/abbott-and-costello-meet-the-creature-from-the-black-lagoon-1954-dvd-p-33183.html|work=Monsters in Motion|title=Abbott and Costello Meet the Creature From the Black Lagoon 1954 DVD|accessdate=September 13, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fangoria.com/abbott-costello-universal-monsters/|work=Fangoria|title=BOO's On First: Abbott, Costello, And The Universal Monsters|author=Prince, Diana|date=June 29, 2021|accessdate=December 18, 2024}}

Developed as an anime-styled prologue to the 2004 feature-length film, the short was directed by Sharon Bridgeman from a script written by Garfield and Judith Reeves-Stevens. The plot takes place immediately before the live-action film and follows Gabriel Van Helsing's investigation in the grisly murders plaguing Victorian era London, and his discovery of a monstrous killer named Mr. Hyde. Marketed as the prequel to the theatrical release, it was produced for the straight-to-home video market by Universal and was received with mixed reception.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/dvds/Van-Helsing-London-Assignment-588.html|work=Cinemblend|title=Van Helsing: The London Assignment|author=Tyler, Joshua|date=May 27, 2016|accessdate=September 13, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/van-helsing-london-assignment-anime-better-movie-why/|work=ScreenRant|title=Hugh Jackman's Forgotten Van Helsing Anime Prequel Is Better Than The Movie|author=Ferguson, Murray|date=September 4, 2021|accessdate=December 18, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/10851|work=DVD Talk|title=Van Helsing: The London Assignment|author=Miller III, Randy|date=May 11, 2004|accessdate=September 13, 2004}}

The franchise has received a variety of home video packing boxsets including: The Classic Collection (1991-1994), the Classic Monster Collection (1999), The Legacy Collection (2004), the Essential Collection (2012), and the Complete Collection (2018).

Universal Pictures collaborated with a number of publishing companies to produce a variety mediums of literature, featuring the Universal Monsters characters, including novels, young adult fiction, graphic novels, comic books, and limited series.

• Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show: This live show has played under several different names across the Universal Parks & Resorts, and features several Universal Monsters alongside the title character of the horror-comedy film Beetlejuice.
• Universal's Halloween Horror Nights: Since 1991 at Universal Parks & Resorts the theme park attraction have featured characters from the Universal Classic Monsters franchise. From 2006 to 2014, the characters also appeared in the year-round walk-through attraction, Universal's House of Horrors, at Universal Studios Hollywood. The franchise is also the central theme of Universal's Horror Make-Up Show. The live show opened in 1990 at Universal Studios Florida and is still in operation.{{cite web|url=https://insidethemagic.net/2017/10/alive-universal-studios-classic-monster-cafe-gets-updated-new-life-ghoulishly-gorgeous/|work=Inside the Magic|title=It's Alive! Universal Studios' Classic Monster Café gets updated with new life – and is ghoulishly gorgeous|author=Gavin, Michael|publisher=JAK Schmidt, Inc.|access-date=September 7, 2024|date=October 24, 2017}}
• Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride: Opening in 2004 at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood, the roller coaster with dark ride elements is based on the first two Mummy films of the remake era.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/09/business/technology-high-tech-mummy-ride-aims-combine-fright-factor-with-roller-coaster.html|work=The New York Times|author=Stellin, Susan|title=TECHNOLOGY; High-Tech Mummy Ride Aims to Combine the Fright Factor With Roller Coaster Thrills|date=February 9, 2004|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• Universal Epic Universe: A theme park attraction based on the concept and title of cancelled shared universe of films opened in May 2025, as a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences's planned expansion of the Orlando park location. Thematically inspired by each of its films, the park serves as a modern day follow-up to the original films, where attendees can explore a town named Darkmoor Village. The story's attraction features the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein named Victoria, who has continued to follow in the mad scientist footsteps of her family and has begun creating monsters of her own. Visitors attending the park can see the events of a plot unfold, where her latest experiment which was intended to bring all of the Universal Monsters under her control backfires as a result of Dracula's revolt. The Dark Universe includes attractions, locales from the films, a number of rides, and a combination of actors, animatronics, special effects, and cutting-edge technology that was developed for the park.{{Cite web |title=Universal Orlando |url=https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/epic-universe?__source=sm..TWITTER..UniversalORL&campaign=Epic%20Universe&post_id=14998142118 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Universal Orlando Resort |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/dark-universe-orlando-rides-details-photos-1235978661/|work=Deadline|title=Dark Universe Revealed: New World At Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Will Include Werewolf Coaster & Frankenstein's Experiment Gone Awry|author=Tapp, Tom|date=June 20, 2024|accessdate=September 7, 2024}} The location includes Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, Wolf Man, Bride of Frankenstein, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Mummy, Invisible Man, and various others from the studio's films.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HTnjAUp4rU|work=Universal Orlando Resort|publisher=Universal|title=Introducing Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe|date=June 20, 2024|accessdate=September 7, 2024}}
• Universal Horror Unleashed: A haunted house attraction featuring characters from the Universal Classic Monsters franchise will open on August 14, 2025.{{Cite web |date=February 19, 2025 |title=BREAKING: Universal Horror Unleashed Opening Date Announced, Tickets Now on Sale |url=https://wdwnt.com/2025/02/breaking-universal-horror-unleashed-opening-date-announced-tickets-now-on-sale/ |first=Lauren |last=Shahan |access-date=April 2, 2025 |website=WDW News Today |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/universal-horror-unleashed-las-vegas-haunted-houses-1236050104/ |title=Universal Plans Year-Round Haunted Houses Based on 'Exorcist' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' |website=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Alex |last=Weprin |date=October 31, 2024 |access-date=November 4, 2024}}

The Universal Monsters have been attributed with directly influencing the horror genre and its filmmakers in the decades that followed,{{cite web|url=https://sites.cortland.edu/dragon-chronicle/2023/10/30/how-universals-classic-monsters-paved-the-way-for-modern-horror/|work=State University of New York: The Dragon Chronicle|title=How Universal's Classic Monsters Paved the Way for Modern Horror|author=Oliva, Andrew|date=October 30, 2023|accessdate=October 5, 2024}} as well as also retroactively adding additional depth to the source material for the characters.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/universal-classic-monster-movies-influenced-novel-source-material/|work=Comic Book Resources|title=How Universal's Monster Movies Retroactively Changed the Source Material|author=Bishop, Ben|date=October 11, 2022|accessdate=October 5, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/invisible-man-boris-karloff/|work=Collider|title=The Invisible Man Was Almost Played by a Different Universal Monster Icon|author=Mosley, Matthew|date=November 4, 2023|accessdate=December 18, 2024|quote=No studio is as closely associated with monster movies as Universal Pictures. Their contributions to the genre during the Golden Age of Hollywood are among the most recognizable in film, with some leaving such an indelible mark on popular culture they eclipsed the popularity of their original novels...}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}} The popularity of the franchise inspired decades of horror films that followed,{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1034769/the-15-best-universal-monster-movies-ranked/|work=SlashFilm|title=The 15 Best Universal Monster Movies, Ranked|author=Colangelo, BJ|date=October 2, 2022|accessdate=December 18, 2024}} including leading to various unrelated media based on the characters and adapting in a variety of means.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/movies-pay-homage-universal-monsters-horror-munsters/|work=ScreenRant|title=The Munsters: 10 Movies That Pay Homage to the Universal Monster Movies|author=Theis, Gabriel|date=August 24, 2024|accessdate=October 5, 2024}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}

• The Munsters franchise (1964–2022): A comedic sitcom formatted parody of horror, where a family of benign monsters navigate their existence among normal American experiences. Produced in collaboration with Universal Television, the franchise was able to employ the copyrighted designs of the Universal Monsters for the Munster family.{{cite video|year=2003|title=The Munsters: America's First Family of Fright|medium=Television production}} Versions of Frankenstein's Monster, Count Dracula, the Gill-Man, Dr. Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, Bride of Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde feature throughout its installments.{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3731286/the-munsters-six-classic-monsters-that-appeared-in-the-original-series-and-movies/|work=Bloody Disgusting|title="The Munsters" – Six Classic Monsters That Appeared in the Original Series and Movies|author=DiVincenzo, Alex|date=September 22, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2024}}
• Mad Monster Party? (1967): Developed by Rankin/Bass Productions Inc. as a stop-motion animated musical comedy, the adaptation features incarnations of Universal Monsters with distinct variations to avoid copyright, including: Dr. Frankenstein (voiced by Boris Karloff), Frankenstein's Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, Count Dracula, the Wolf Man, The Mummy, Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and Invisible Man among various other monster-themed characters. Directed by Jules Bass, with a script written by Len Korobkin and Harvey Kurtzman, based on an original story from Arthur Rankin Jr., the plot centers around Dr. Frankenstein's invitation for all monsters to attend a retirement celebration at Castle Frankenstein to name is successor.{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/there-is-truly-no-better-time-to-watch-mad-monster-party|work=Syfy|title=There is truly no better time to watch 'Mad Monster Party', the 'Rudolph' of Halloween|author=Grebey, James|date=October 26, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2024}} The feature-length film has been cited as a cult classic in the decades since its release.{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2009/10/must-see-halloween-classic-mad-monster-party/1|work=USA Today|title=Must-see Halloween classic: 'Mad Monster Party'|author=Matheson, Whitney|date=October 5, 2009|accessdate=October 6, 2024}}
• Young Frankenstein (1974): A horror comedy film directed by Mel Brooks, from a script he co-wrote with Gene Wilder, it is a parody of the Frankenstein films produced by Universal Pictures in the 1930s and 1940s, most notably Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Son of Frankenstein (1939) and The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942). Released by 20th Century Fox, the plot follows Dr. Fredrick Frankenstein (Wilder), the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, who distances himself from his Frankenstein lineage but eventually resumes his grandfather's experiments in reanimating the dead. To recreate the atmosphere of the original films, the film was shot entirely in black-and-white, employed 1930s-style opening credits, used wipes and irises for scene transitions, and even used the original lab equipment by Kenneth Strickfaden from the original 1931 film.{{Cite web |last=Sherlock |first=Ben |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Young Frankenstein: 9 Ways It's A Spot-On Parody Of Universal Monster Movies |url=https://screenrant.com/young-frankenstein-best-universal-monster-movie-parody/ |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=Screen Rant}}{{Cite web |last=Vorel |first=Jim |date=October 27, 2021 |title=ABCs of Horror 2: "Y" Is for Young Frankenstein (1974) |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/horror-movies/young-frankenstein-1974-review-gene-wilder-mel-brooks-marty-feldman |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=Paste Magazine}}{{Cite web |last=Du Bose |first=Thomas |date=2022 |title=Young Frankenstein (film) |url=https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/film/young-frankenstein-film |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=EBSCO Information Services}}
• The Monster Squad (1987): A horror comedy film directed by Fred Dekker, from a script he co-wrote with Shane Black, the film centers on a group of pre-teens form a Universal Monsters fan club called the "Monster Squad" who must protect their hometown against a group of monsters, led by Count Dracula, who are in search of a magic amulet that will give them the power to take over the world. Released through TriStar Pictures, the film features modernized versions of the Universal Monsters, including Count Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, and the Gill-Man.{{Cite web |last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=August 14, 2017 |title=The Monster Squad Is the Only Dark Universe We Ever Needed |url=https://gizmodo.com/the-monster-squad-is-the-only-dark-universe-we-ever-nee-1797827434 |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=Gizmodo}}{{Cite news |last=Robley |first=Les Paul |date=March 1988 |title=Director Fred Dekker on resurrecting The Monster Squad; Winning homage to past Universal monsters |url=https://archive.org/details/cinefantastique_1970-2002/Cinefantastique%20Vol%2018%20No%202-3%20%28March%201988%29/page/n111/mode/2up |access-date=April 9, 2025 |work=Cinefantastique |pages=112-113}}
• Darkman (1990): A superhero horror film directed and co-written by Sam Raimi about a scientist who works to develop synthetic skin but is burned alive and left for dead by mobsters. He then adopts the identity of a vigilante named Darkman to seek revenge on those who disfigured him. The film drew inspiration from films like The Phantom of the Opera (1925), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), and the Universal horror films of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as pulp characters like The Shadow.{{Cite web |last=Cruse |first=Daniel |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Sam Raimi Created His Own Universal Monster with ‘Darkman’ |url=https://collider.com/sam-raimi-darkman/ |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=Collider}}{{Cite web |last=Dietsch |first=Drew |date=July 30, 2020 |title='Darkman' Deserves to Be Recognized as One of Universal's Greatest Monsters [We Love '90s Horror] |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3625761/darkman-deserves-recognized-one-universals-greatest-monsters-love-90s-horror/ |access-date=April 11, 2025 |website=Bloody Disgusting}}
• Frankenweenie (2012): A stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton, from a script written by John August, the film is a feature-length remake of his 1984 short film of the same name and is a parody and homage to the 1931 film Frankenstein. Released by Walt Disney Pictures, it follows a young boy who uses the power of electricity to resurrect his dead dog, but his peers discover what he has done and bring their own deceased pets back to life, resulting in mayhem. The film also features references and homages to other classic monster films, including the Universal Monsters.{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Micaela Pérez |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Frankenweenie: Revisiting Tim Burton's Personal Ode to Horror Classics |url=https://movieweb.com/31-days-of-horror-day-11-frankenweenie/ |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=MovieWeb}}{{Cite web |last=Nunez |first=JP |date=July 29, 2021 |title=Eight Ways Frankenweenie Pays Tribute to Classic Monster Movies |url=https://horrorobsessive.com/2021/07/29/eight-ways-frankenweenie-pays-tribute-to-classic-monster-movies/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=Horror Obsessive}}
• Hotel Transylvania franchise (2012–2022): A series of family comedy films, which expanded into a franchise with other media. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released through Sony Pictures Releasing, the production studio included various famous monster characters, while utilizing comedically designed variations of those synonymous with the Universal Monsters as to avoid conflicts with copyright laws.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/markets-festivals/hotel-transylvania-1117948225/|work=Variety|title=Hotel Transylvania|author=Debruge, Peter|date=September 7, 2012|accessdate=January 1, 2025}} Those based on the Universal Monsters characters include: Dracula (Adam Sandler{{efn|Brian Hull voiced the character in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.}}), Dracula's Daughter (Selena Gomez), Frankenstein's Monster (Kevin James{{efn|Brad Abrell voiced the character in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.}}), Bride of Frankenstein (Fran Drescher), Wolf Man (Steve Buscemi), the Mummy (CeeLo Green{{efn|Green portrayed the character in Hotel Transylvania only.}} and Keegan-Michael Key), Invisible Man (David Spade), Invisible Woman (Chrissy Teigen), Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz), the Gill-Man (Chris Parnell), Phantom of the Opera (Lovitz), She-Wolf (Molly Shannon), and Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan).{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/hotel-transylvania-universal-monsters-characters-appearance-comparison/|work=ScreenRant|title=How Hotel Transylvania's Monsters Compare To Universal's|author=Curtis, Ian|date=January 19, 2022|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/hotel-transylvania-family-movies/|work=MovieWeb|title=Hotel Transylvania: What Makes the Franchise Unique Amongst Family Movies|author=Fink, Richard|date=June 9, 2022|accessdate=January 1, 2025}}{{better source|date=March 2025|reason=Per

WP:RSP/VALNET}}{{better source|date=January 2025|reason=Per WP:VALNET, as discussed on talk page}}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-aug-31-la-et-mn-sneaks-scary-animation-20120902-story.html|work=The Los Angeles Times|title='Hotel Transylvania', 'Frankenweenie' have monster animation|author=King, Susan|date=August 31, 2012|accessdate=January 1, 2023}}

• The Shape of Water (2017): Directed by Guillermo del Toro, from a script he co-wrote with Vanessa Taylor which was based on an original story by del Toro, the project initially entered development as a Creature from the Black Lagoon remake. Universal ultimately passed on del Toro's script, which would go on to earn various awards and recognition.

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin|30em}}

• {{cite magazine|magazine=Rue Morgue|publisher=Marrs Media|issn=1481-1103|date=November 2015|title=Universal Monsters|ref=UM-RM}}
• {{cite magazine|magazine=Billboard|title=Glass Scores 'Dracula' For Universal; Will Tour in Support|last=Bessman|first=Jim|date=September 4, 1999|volume=111|issue=36|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA93|access-date=December 4, 2020}}
• {{cite magazine|magazine=Rue Morgue|publisher=Marrs Media|issn=1481-1103|date=November 2015|title=Cryptic Collectibles |last=Burrell|first=James}}
• {{cite book |last1=Chibnall |first1=Steve |last2=Petley |first2=Julian |year=2002 |title=British Horror Cinema |publisher=Routledge |isbn=0-415-23004-7}}
• {{cite book|last=De Bruin-Molé|first=Megan|chapter=Do the Monster Mash: Universal's "Classic Monsters" and the Industrialization of the Gothic Transmedia Franchise|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|editor-last=Neill|editor-first=Natalie|year=2022|title=Gothic Mash-Ups: Hybridity, Appropriation, and Intertextuality in Gothic Storytelling|isbn=978-1793636577}}
• {{cite web|work=Washington University in St. Louis|title=Frankenstein's Monster in Popular Culture|last1=Early|first1=Rosalind|last2=Malkowicz|first2=Tom|date=October 16, 2017|accessdate=July 18, 2021|url=https://source.wustl.edu/2017/10/images-of-frankenstein/}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2012/10/05/dracula-frankenstein-universal-monsters/1608349/|work=USA Today|title='Dracula', 'Frankenstein' in new Universal Blu-ray set|last=Jones|first=Steve|date=October 5, 2012|accessdate=July 18, 2021}}
• {{cite book|title=Son of Dracula|year=2019|publisher=BearManor Media|isbn=978-1-62933-430-1|chapter=Son of Dracula: The Release History|last=Kiss|first=Dr. Robert J.}}
• {{cite book|last=Mank|first=Gregory William|title=It's Alive! The Classic Cinema Saga of Frankenstein|year=1981|publisher=A.S. Barnes & Company, Inc.|isbn=0-498-02473-3}}
• {{cite book|title=Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff: The Expanded Story of a Haunting Collaboration, with a Complete Filmography of Their Films Together|last=Mank|first=Gregory William|year=2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0786454723}}
• {{cite magazine|last=McCullaugh|first=Jim|title=Sell-Thru Sales Judged by Cover|date=October 24, 1992|volume=104|issue=43|magazine=Billboard}}
• {{cite web|work=The A.V. Club|title=A Guide to the Universal Studios Monster Movies, 1925–1955|last1=Murray|first1=Noel|last2=Phipps|first2=Keith|date=October 25, 2012|accessdate=July 18, 2021|url=https://www.avclub.com/a-guide-to-the-universal-studios-monster-movies-1923-1-1798234514}}
• {{cite news|title=Horror films making a comeback|last=Nye|first=Doug|date=August 18, 1995|page=6|newspaper=The News-Press}}
• {{cite book|last=Rhodes|first=Gary D.|title=Tod Browning's Dracula|publisher=Tomahawk Press|year=2014|isbn=978-0-9566834-5-8|author-link=Gary D. Rhodes}}
• {{cite book |last1=Weaver |first1=Tom |last2=Brunas |first2=Michael |last3=Brunas |first3=John|year=2007 |orig-year=1990 |title=Universal Horrors |edition=2 |publisher=McFarland & Company |isbn=978-0-7864-2974-5}}
• {{cite book |last=Worland |first=Rick |year=2007 |title=The Horror Film: A Brief Introduction |publisher=Blackwell Publishing |isbn=978-1-4051-3902-1}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.cinelinx.com/movie-news/movie-stuff/the-original-shared-universe-a-look-back-at-the-universal-monsters/|last=Young|first=Rob|title=The Original Shared Universe: A Look Back At the Universal Monsters|work=Cinelinx | Movies. Games. Geek Culture. |accessdate=July 18, 2021|date=October 16, 2015}}
• {{cite book|last=Murray|first=Andy|year=2005|title=Into the Unknown: The Fantastic Life of Nigel Kneale|publisher=UK: Critical Vision|isbn=1-900486-50-4}}

{{Refend}}

{{Universal Studios franchises}}

{{Skybound Entertainment}}