Epic Universe's Mythology of Monstrous Creatures Unveils an Optimal Dark Universe Scenario
At the heart of Universal's Epic Universe theme park lies Dark Universe, a land that subtly references a narrative so enigmatic, it leaves visitors yearning for more discoveries. Darkmoor Village, where peacefully coexisting humans and monsters teeter on the brink of chaos, serves as the epicenter of a delicate balance between the villagers, a mad scientist and her creatures, and vampires lurking beneath.
During Epic Universe's opening week, io9 ventured into Darkmoor and contemplated whether the rich mythology it presented might offer insights into Universal's resurrected film franchise, Dark Universe. Although some elements echo what was initially envisioned for the big screen, the connection between the theme park and the abandoned film franchise remains obscure.
Upon entering Darkmoor, one encounters a colossal crypt, ominous rumblings, and the chilling presence of Ygor, Victor Frankenstein's assistant, searching for victims for his cruel experiments. Conversely, in the land's earlier reaches, guests are greeted by the village square, adorned by a well that turns blood red at night, symbolizing the dominance of the village's vampires and the blood sacrifices made to their hive deep within the catacombs.
In the attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, visitors witness the pivotal role of the original Victor Frankenstein in quelling carnage, a responsibility his granddaughter struggles to maintain. Victoria Frankenstein's efforts to control her monstrous creations, particularly Dracula, add a compelling layer to the unfolding storyline.
When the Dark Universe films were still in development, Alex Kurtzman, the director of the sole release, The Mummy, expressed the concept of an organization responsible for monitoring supernatural threats. This concept seems to be mirrored, albeit minimally, within the theme park, as Dr. Jekyll offers cryptic clues at his apothecary window.
Universal's Epic Universe, situated in Orlando, Florida, serves as the home of Dark Universe, transporting visitors into a chilling world inspired by legendary monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolfman. Whilst the theme park's Dark Universe does not directly link to the cinematic universe that was once planned, it immerses guests in the broader horror legacy, offering glimpses of the intricate lore and conflicts that unfold within this eerie landscape.
- Star Wars and other Disney movies-and-tv content may soon be available on streaming platforms, as Universal Studios has hinted at possible collaborations with AI technology to enhance user experiences.
- Easter eggs from Star Wars and other Universal Studios movies can be found scattered throughout the Space, the new virtual reality attraction at Epic Universe.
- Darkmoor Village in Universal's Epic Universe theme park, much like the setting of Star Wars, represents a delicate balance among different factions.
- Universal Studios is rumored to be planning a new Dark Universe cinematic expansion, drawing inspiration from beloved movies and horror legends like Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster, just as other entertainment powerhouses have done with their own universes, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars franchise.
