Universal Monsters Cinematic Universe

The Universal Monsters Cinematic Universe (UMCU) is a shared fictional universe that is the setting of various horror films tied to the Universal Monsters franchise, and are developed and distributed by Universal Studios during the 1930s and 1940s.

Original franchise (1931–1948)

The original films that featured since 1931 to 1948 feature Count Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and the Wolf Man in the same fictional universe. The first crossover film was Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, which feature the Monster and the Wolf Man in the same universe. More crossovers were featured in House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

This is considered to be the first shared universe in film history.

Film U.S. release date Director(s) Producer(s) Writer(s)
Dracula February 12, 1931 Tod Browning Carl Laemmle, Jr. Garrett Fort & John L. Balderston
Frankenstein November 21, 1931 James Whale Garrett Fort, Francis Faragoh & John L. Balderston
Bride of
Frankenstein		 April 22, 1935 Carl Laemmle, Jr. & James Whale William Hurlbut & John L. Balderston
Dracula's
Daughter		 May 11, 1936 Lambert Hillyer E.M. Asher Garrett Fort & John L. Balderston
Son of
Frankenstein		 January 13, 1939 Rowland V. Lee Willis Cooper
The Wolf Man December 12, 1941 George Waggner Curt Siodmak
The Ghost of
Frankenstein		 March 13, 1942 Erle C. Kenton George Waggner W. Scott Darling & Eric Taylor
Frankenstein Meets
the Wolf Man		 March 5, 1943 Roy William Neill Curt Siodmak
Son of Dracula November 5, 1943 Robert Siodmak Ford Beebe Eric Taylor & Curt Siodmak
House of
Frankenstein		 December 1, 1944 Erle C. Kenton Paul Malvern Edward T. Lowe & Curt Siodmak
House of Dracula December 7, 1945 Edward T. Lowe
Abbott and Costello
Meet Frankenstein		 June 15, 1948 Charles T. Barton Robert Arthur Robert Lees & Frederic I. Rinaldo
and
John Grant

Dracula (1931)

The ancient vampire Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) arrives in England, and begins to prey upon the virtuous young Mina (Helen Chandler).

Frankenstein (1931)

An obsessed scientist named Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses (Boris Karloff).

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Main article: Bride of Frankenstein

Dr. Henry Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate (Elsa Lanchester).

Dracula's Daughter (1936)

Main article: Dracula's Daughter

Hungarian countess Marya Zaleska (Gloria Holden) seeks the aid of a noted psychiatrist, Dr. Jeffrey Garth (Otto Kruger), in hopes of freeing herself of a mysterious evil influence.

Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Main article: Son of Frankenstein

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (Basil Rathbone), one of Dr. Frankenstein's sons, finds his father's monster in a coma and revives him, only to find he is controlled by Ygor (Lugosi), who is bent on revenge.

The Wolf Man (1941)

A practical man named Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney, Jr.) returns to his homeland, is attacked by a creature of folklore, and infected with a horrific disease his disciplined mind tells him can not possibly exist.

The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)

When Ygor brings the Monster to Dr. Ludwig Frankenstein (Cedric Hardwicke) for care, Ludwig gets the idea of replacing the Monster's current criminal brain with a normal one.

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)

After being awakened, Larry Talbot (Chaney, Jr.) chips Frankenstein's monster (Lugosi) out of a block of ice. When Talbot changes to the Wolf Man, the two creatures battle each other.

Son of Dracula (1943)

Count Alucard (Chaney, Jr.) finds his way from Budapest to the swamps of the Deep South; his four nemeses are a medical doctor, a university professor, a jilted fiancé, and the woman he loves.

House of Frankenstein (1944)

An evil scientist named Gustav Niemann (Karloff) and his hunchbacked assistant Daniel (J. Carrol Naish) escape from prison and encounter Dracula (John Carradine), the Wolf Man (Chaney, Jr.), and Frankenstein's monster (Glenn Strange).

House of Dracula (1945)

Main article: House of Dracula

Count Dracula (Carradine) and the Wolf Man (Chaney, Jr.) seek a cure for their afflictions; a hunchbacked woman, a mad scientist, and Frankenstein's monster (Strange) have their own troubles.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Two hapless freight handlers named Chick Young (Bud Abbot) and Wilbur Grey (Lou Costello) find themselves encountering Frankenstein's monster (Strange), alongside Dracula (Lugosi), and the Wolf Man (Chaney, Jr.).

Rebooted franchise (2014–present)

In October 2013, Roberto Orci spoke to IGN, hinting that both The Mummy and Van Helsing reboots will have a shared universe.[1] New developments were made in July 2014, when Universal announced that they had tapped Alex Kurtzman and Chris Morgan to develop all classic movie monsters which include Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, and The Mummy.[2] In December 2014, Universal hired Jay Basu to write an undisclosed film for the shared universe.[3] Universal's chairman, in a November interview, stated that the new films would be more action-adventure based rather than horror, and would be set in a present-day setting in order to "reimagine and reintroduce them to a contemporary audience."[4] In August 2015, Alex Kurtzman announced the new film series will be a mix of horror and other fictional genres.[5]

Film U.S. release date Director(s) Producer(s) Screenplay by Status
Dracula Untold October 10, 2014 Gary Shore Michael De Luca Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless Released
The Mummy June 9, 2017 Alex Kurtzman Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Sean Daniel and Chris Morgan Jon Spaihts Filming
Untitled Wolf Man film April 13, 2018 TBA Alex Kurtzman and Chris Morgan Aaron Guzikowski In development
Untitled Universal Monsters Film February 15, 2019 TBA TBA TBA
Untitled Van Helsing film TBA TBA Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Chris Morgan Jon Spaihts and Eric Heisserer
Untitled Creature from the Black Lagoon film TBA TBA TBA Jeff Pinkner
Untitled Bride of Frankenstein film TBA TBA TBA David Koepp
Untitled Invisible Man film TBA TBA TBA Ed Solomon

Dracula Untold (2014)

Main article: Dracula Untold

As his kingdom is being threatened by the Turks, young prince Vlad Țepeș / Dracula (Luke Evans) must become a monster feared by his own people in order to obtain the power needed to protect his own family, and the families of his kingdom.

In October 2014, the film Dracula Untold, which had begun development in 2007 as Dracula: Year Zero, was released; producer Alissa Phillips confirmed at the film's UK premiere that the film was a part of the new monsters cinematic universe. She hoped that Evans' character might have a cameo in a future The Mummy film and also spoke of a potential sequel.[6] In an interview with IGN, director Gary Shore stated "It's optional for them if they want to use it as that launching pad."[7] On October 15, THR reported that the ending scenes of the film hinted that the film Dracula Untold could be included into the monsters universe.[8]

The Mummy (2017)

Main article: The Mummy (2017 film)

Thought safely entombed in a crypt deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient queen whose destiny was unjustly taken from her, is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.[9]

In 2012, Universal announced plans to reboot The Mummy. Jon Spaihts would write The Mummy reboot, and Sean Daniel, who produced the previous three Mummy films, would return as producer.[10] In December, it was stated that The Mummy would be a new take on the mythology, returning to its roots as a horror film, and set in the present day.[11] On February 14, 2013, Universal set The Hunger Games' writer Billy Ray to write a competitive draft for The Mummy reboot against Spaihts written script.[12] Len Wiseman was announced as The Mummy's director on September 24, 2012,[13] but left the project in July 2013 due to schedule conflicts.[14] In September, it was reported that Mama's director Andrés Muschietti was in talks to direct the film.[15] However, he dropped out in May 2014, due to creative differences.[16] On November 27, 2013, Universal set the film for an April 22, 2016 release.[17] In April 2015, the studio announced that the Mummy reboot has been delayed for March 24, 2017[18] Alex Kurtzman was set to direct the film by the end of the month.[19] The next day, the film's release date was pushed back to June 24, 2016, when Universal announced the April 22 for its new film The Huntsman: Winter's War.[20]

In November 2015, Variety reported that Tom Cruise is talks to star in the Mummy reboot.[21] In December 2015, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Sofia Boutella is in talks for the female lead role in the Mummy reboot.[22] In January 2016, it was announced that Cruise and Boutella will star in The Mummy reboot with a June 9, 2017 release date.[23] Annabelle Wallis will appear in the film, as confirmed through set photos. In March 2016, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter reported that Jake Johnson is in talks for a role of as a member of the military.[24][25] Between March 14 and April 15, Marwan Kenzari and Courtney B. Vance were also cast for unspecified roles.[26][27] [28] On May 2016, Universal announced that Russell Crowe in talks to portray the roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.[29][30][31]

The film began production in April 2016 located in Oxford, England.[32]

Untitled Wolf Man film (2018)

In November 2014, Universal hired Aaron Guzikowski to write the shared universe's reboot of The Wolf Man and its 2010 version.[33] In December 2015, the film was announced to be released for March 30, 2018,[34][35] but in February 2016, it has been delayed once again for April 13, 2018.[36]

Untitled Van Helsing film (TBA)

On May 1, 2012, Universal signed on with Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman a two-year deal, which includes producing a reboot of Van Helsing, which would star Tom Cruise, through their K/O Paper Products banner.[37] In November 2015, Variety reported that Jon Spaihts and Eric Heisserer will write the Van Helsing reboot, but Cruise left the film.[38]

Untitled Creature from the Black Lagoon film (TBA)

In August 2015, a new remake of Creature from the Black Lagoon was announced, with The Amazing Spider-Man 2 writer Jeff Pinkner being hired to write the film and actress Scarlett Johansson being offered to portray the lead role.[39][40]

Untitled Bride of Frankenstein film (TBA)

In November 2015, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the studio are looking at Angelina Jolie for the main role in the reboot of Bride of Frankenstein.[41][42] In December 2015, Variety reported that David Koepp will write the Bride of Frankenstein remake.[43]

Untitled Invisible Man film (TBA)

In February 2016, it was announced that Johnny Depp will star in The Invisible Man reboot with Ed Solomon writing the film's script.[44][45]

Recurring cast and characters

1931–1948

See also

References

  1. ↑ Tilly, Chris (18 October 2013). "Bob Orci Discusses Van Helsing Reboot". ign.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  2. ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (16 July 2014). "Universal Taps Alex Kurtzman, Chris Morgan To Relaunch Classic Movie Monster Franchises". deadline.com. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  3. ↑ Jaafar, Ali (December 1, 2014). "Jay Basu Tapped By Universal To Aid Relaunch Of Classic Monster Movies". Deadline.
  4. ↑ McClintock, Pamela (November 13, 2014). "Executive Roundtable: 6 Studio Heads on China Plans, Superhero Overload, WB Layoffs, 'Fast & Furious' Future". Hollywood Reporter.
  5. ↑ Hayes, Britt (August 10, 2015). "Len Wiseman Wrapping Up Deal To Helm Universal Reboot Of ‘The Mummy’". Screen Crush. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Producer Confirms that Dracula Untold is the First Part of the Universal Monsters Reboot". heyuguys.com. October 2, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  7. ↑ KRUPA, DANIEL (October 2, 2014). "Is Dracula Untold a Part of the Shared Monsters Universe?". ign.com. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  8. ↑ Ford, Rebecca; Kit, Borys (October 15, 2014). "How 'Dracula Untold's' New Ending Could Tie Into Universal's Monster Universe". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  9. ↑
  10. ↑ Gallagher, Brian (4 April 2012). "'The Mummy' Gets Reboot from 'Prometheus' Writer Jon Spaihts". movieweb.com. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  11. ↑ "The Mummy Remake to Be an Epic Horror Movie Set in Present Day America". movieweb.com. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  12. ↑ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (14 February 2013). "Starving for Mummy Reboot, Universal Hires Hunger Games Screenwriter to Pen Competing Script". vulture.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  13. ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (24 September 2012). "Len Wiseman Wrapping Up Deal To Helm Universal Reboot Of ‘The Mummy’". deadline.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  14. ↑ Sneider, Jeff (31 July 2013). "Director Len Wiseman Exits ‘The Mummy’ Reboot at Universal". thewrap.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  15. ↑ Kit, Borys (13 September 2013). "'Mama' Director in Talks to Helm 'Mummy' Reboot for Universal". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  16. ↑ Sneider, Jeff (6 May 2014). "‘Mummy’ Reboot Loses ‘Mama’ Director Andy Muschetti". thewrap.com. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  17. ↑ "Universal Dates ‘The Mummy’ Reboot For April 2016, Pushes ‘Warcraft’ Out Of ‘Star Wars’ Slot". deadline.com. 27 November 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  18. ↑ Kit, McClintock, Borys, Pamela (April 23, 2015). "Universal's Monster Movies Get Delayed". Hollywood Reporter.
  19. ↑ Kit, Borys (30 July 2014). "Alex Kurtzman to Direct 'The Mummy' Reboot". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  20. ↑ Perlman, Jake (July 31, 2014). "Universal to release 'The Huntsman' in 2016, pushes back 'The Mummy'". ew.com. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  21. ↑ Kroll, Justin (November 24, 2015). "Tom Cruise in Talks to Star in ‘The Mummy’ Reboot (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
  22. ↑ Kit, Borys; Ford, Rebecca (December 8, 2015). "'Kingsman' Actress Sofia Boutella in Talks to Star in 'The Mummy' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  23. ↑ Kroll, Justin (January 21, 2016). "Tom Cruise’s ‘The Mummy’ Gets New Release Date". Variety.
  24. ↑ Kroll, Justin (March 7, 2016). "Tom Cruise's 'Mummy' Reboot Casts Annabelle Wallis". Variety.
  25. ↑ Kit, Borys (March 8, 2016). "'New Girl' Star Jake Johnson Joins Tom Cruise in 'The Mummy' (Exclusive)". The Hollwooyd Reporter.
  26. ↑ Kroll, Justin (March 14, 2016). "Marwan Kenzari Joins Tom Cruise in ‘The Mummy’ Reboot". Variety. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  27. ↑ Sneider, Jeff (April 15, 2016). "‘People v. O.J.’ Star Courtney B. Vance Joins Tom Cruise in ‘The Mummy’". The Wrap.
  28. ↑ Lussier, Germain (May 4, 2016). "Russell Crowe Could Be Joining the World of Universal Monsters". io9.
  29. ↑ Fleming, Jr, Mike (May 4, 2016). "Russell Crowe Joining Tom Cruise In ‘The Mummy’". Deadline.
  30. ↑ Kit, Borys (May 4, 2016). "Russell Crowe in Early Talks to Join Tom Cruise in 'The Mummy'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  31. ↑ Kroll, Justin (May 4, 2016). "Russell Crowe in Talks to Join Tom Cruise in ‘The Mummy’ Reboot". Variety.
  32. ↑ Larkin, Mike (April 7, 2016). "Back from the dead! Tom Cruise looks scared as he stands with Annabelle Wallis in first shots from set of new Mummy movie in Oxford". Daily Mail. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  33. ↑ Fleming Jr., Mike (November 12, 2014). "Will Justin Lin Rev ‘Fast & Furious’ Finale?". Deadline.
  34. ↑ Kit, Borys (November 12, 2014). "Universal's Classic Monster Universe Takes Shape With 'Fargo' and 'Prisoners' Writers". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  35. ↑ Hayes, Britt (December 4, 2015). "Universal’s ‘Wolf Man’ Remake Gets a Release Date". Screen Crush.
  36. ↑ Feldberg, Isaac (February 17, 2016). "Universal Shifts Untitled Monster Movie Away From Ready Player One".
  37. ↑ "Universal Signs Kurtzman And Orci; Pair Takes On ‘The Mummy’ And ‘Van Helsing’". deadline.com. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  38. ↑ Kroll, Justin (November 14, 2015). "Universal’s ‘Van Helsing’ Reboot Enlists Scribes Jon Spaihts and Eric Heisserer (EXCLUSIVE)". Vairety.
  39. ↑ "Amazing Spider-Man 2 Writer To Pen Creature From The Black Lagoon Remake". cinemablend.com. 2015-08-09. Retrieved 2015-08-09.
  40. ↑ Chase, Lou. "TB Exclusive: Universal eyes Scarlett Johansson to star in 'Creature from the Black Lagoon'." Tracking Board, April 9, 2015.
  41. ↑ Romano, Nick (November 23, 2015). "Universal Wants to Make Angelina Jolie the ‘Bride of Frankenstein’". Collider.
  42. ↑ Siegel, Tatiana (November 23, 2015). "Will 'By the Sea' Kill Hollywood "Favor" Movies?". The Hollywood Reporter.
  43. ↑ Kroll, Justin (December 17, 2015). "‘Bride of Frankenstein’ Reboot to Be Written by David Koepp (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
  44. ↑ Kit, Borys (February 9, 2016). "Johnny Depp to Star in Universal's 'Invisible Man' Reboot". The Hollywood Reporter.
  45. ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (February 9, 2016). "Johnny Depp To Star In ‘The Invisible Man’ At Universal". Deadline.
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