Why Tom Cruise’s Universal Cinematic Universe Failure Prevented a Sequel to This Superior Monster Movie

Universal’s Attempt to Launch a Dark Universe with The Mummy

Tom Cruise’s reboot of The Mummy aimed to ignite a new cinematic universe for Universal Pictures but ultimately fell short, derailing the potential for a continuation of Dracula Untold. Throughout the 2010s, the trend of interconnected film universes captivated Hollywood, especially following the staggering success of the MCU. However, while a few ventures like Warner Bros’ Monsterverse found their footing, many others, including Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, met with dismal outcomes. Among the more significant failures was 2017’s The Mummy, which Universal touted as the ambitious beginning of their “Dark Universe.”

This proposed universe aimed to revive Universal’s legendary monster franchise, updating iconic figures like Dracula, The Invisible Man, and Frankenstein. Although The Mummy set the stage for potential sequels and spin-offs, it ended up being poorly received by critics despite achieving moderate box office success. It failed to capture the charm that characterized Brendan Fraser’s versions, leading to the quiet cancellation of any further projects within this envisioned universe.

The Shift from Dracula Untold to The Mummy as the Dark Universe’s Initiation

Dracula Untold’s Reshoots to Integrate with the Dark Universe

Dark Universe Dracula Untold and The Mummy.

Tasked with spearheading Universal’s shared monster universe, Alex Kurtzman took on directing duties for The Mummy. Initially conceived as an independent project, Dracula Untold underwent substantial changes during post-production to align it with the nascent Dark Universe. Notably, a new ending was shot, hinting that Luke Evans’ Dracula had survived into the modern era, while Charles Dance’s character was introduced as a Master Vampire meant to serve as a connective thread among the films, reminiscent of Sam Jackson’s Nick Fury in the MCU.

Dracula Untold had initially included Charlie Cox as a vampire version of Caligula, only for Dance to take over that role in the reshoots. Despite the alterations, confusion surrounded the film’s position within Universal’s franchise. Officially, the studio denied that it was intended as the Dark Universe’s opening chapter. Nevertheless, the reshoots indicated a degree of reluctance, as they were prepared to embrace the film’s potential success. Ultimately, however, the film grossed a modest $217 million worldwide, and as The Mummy’s release approached, Kurtzman began to distance the new film from its predecessor’s tenuous connection to the franchise.

I’m a huge fan of Luke Evans. I think he’s brilliant. Talk about a guy with range – he can do anything. I think we have a plan for Dracula that may be a little different than the kind of story that was told in Dracula Untold. So, anything’s possible, but I think we have a slightly different idea for Dracula in mind.

Given its lukewarm audience response, it was perhaps wise for Universal to steer clear of integrating Evans’ rendition of Dracula into their planned series. Instead, they directed their focus onto the more high-profile release of Tom Cruise’s The Mummy, even though, arguably, Dracula Untold stands out as the superior film.

The Mummy’s Box Office Results Seal the Dark Universe’s Fate

Johnny Depp’s The Invisible Man Remains in Development Limbo

Russell Crowe, Javier Bardem, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, and Sofia Boutella posing in the Dark Universe promo

One telling moment of arrogance in the Dark Universe’s marketing was the flashy promotional image featuring an ensemble cast of stars, including Cruise, Crowe, and Sofia Boutella, alongside Johnny Depp and Javier Bardem, who were slated for The Invisible Man and Frankenstein’s Monster respectively. Despite this high-profile roll-out, the disappointing reception of The Mummy foreshadowed the impending collapse of Universal’s ambitious plans. While the film performed well overseas, grossing over $410 million, it struggled to resonate with U. S.audiences, casting doubt on any future installments.

Watch Trailer

Despite not being an unequivocal bomb, the lack of genuine excitement for Universal’s shared universe was evident. This resulted in several canceled projects, including the Bride of Frankenstein. The lack of substantial recovery for The Mummy’s production budget effectively sabotaged prospects for any subsequent adaptations, as the film’s convoluted execution failed to engage audiences adequately.

Universal’s Shift to Standalone Monster Films Post-Dark Universe Failure

Transition from Blockbuster Aspirations

In the aftermath of the Dark Universe’s disappointing launch, Universal reassessed its strategy, shifting from blockbuster-style productions to standalone monster movies. This pivot saw the release of films like Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man, which managed to resonate more deeply with audiences and critics alike. In contrast, their attempts at revamping classic figures like Wolf Man met with mixed responses, showcasing the challenges of reimagining storied characters.

While films like Renfield, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, and Abigail garnered generally positive feedback, only Abigail proved to be a financial success. The former emerged as a commercial triumph that adeptly tackled themes like domestic violence, reflecting a deeper understanding of the genre’s potential compared to previous entries.Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein is highly anticipated and promises a fresh take on classic horror narratives, potentially reigniting interest in Universal’s monster portfolio.

Potential Benefits of a Dracula Untold Sequel Over The Mummy Reboot

The Unfinished Narrative of Dracula

Charles Dance and Luke Evans in Dracula Untold — Imagery provided by Ana Nieves

Dracula Untold, despite its flaws, had a unique opportunity to explore the transformation of its lead character, captured compellingly by Luke Evans. A sequel could have delved into Dracula’s integration into the contemporary world, cleverly setting the stage for future interconnected stories, including The Mummy and Frankenstein.

Moreover, a follow-up featuring Dracula combating other Universal Monsters could have paved the way for a cohesive narrative framework within the Dark Universe. While it is apparent that plans for Dracula Untold 2 were shelved in favor of a more prominent launch with The Mummy, this decision feels misguided in retrospect. Evans’ multifaceted portrayal of Dracula presented a fascinating foundation for cinematic exploration, leaving fans to wonder what may have been.

For further reading, visit THR, Digital Spy, and The Numbers.