It was about a year ago that then-writing partners Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci announced plans to develop a cinematic universe for Universal Pictures circling iconic movie monsters of the past century. Those efforts have since advanced following Kurtzman and Orci parting ways earlier this year, leaving Kurtzman now sharing the workload with Chris Morgan for the forthcoming slate of monster movies which would also include The Mummy, Van Helsing, Dracula, Frankenstein and others.
Well, a year later, it just so happens that Universal is working overtime to promote its newest action horror epic adventure, Dracula Untold which is already in the process of screenings and further star-studded publicity, and a handful of reviews are already published online. The question still remains if whether or not the film will fare commercially enough to maintain confidence for a second outing should one already be planned. Ironically however, it appears to be the case, with word from producer Alyssa Phillips (by way of UK site HeyUGuys) that the film is now being slated as the first film in Universal’s monster movie universe.
If the film does well, of course it may solidify a place for its lead actor, Luke Evans for a potential follow-up. No word yet if its debut director, Gary Shore will return, but the concept itself sounds exciting enough to build off of with the success Walt Disney Co. has had with Marvel, and the current milestones in place for Warner Bros. with DC Comics for the superhero movie niche; Seriously, an ensemble franchise featuring classic movie monsters in the vein of The Avengers? I can dig this. Let it happen!
Dracula Untold is currently set to release this Friday in the U.K. with a North American release next week. In the meantime, Kurtzman will be directing The Mummy for its release on April 22, 2016.
H/T: JoBlo