The “Invisible Man” made a smash at the Box Office during its opening weekend on February 28th opening to a roaring $29 Million. In a season where movie releases are generally dull throughout January and February, the “Invisible Man” opening was seen as a massive success. But will the opening weekend and its continued run at the box office prompt Universal Studios to possibly re-vamp its “Dark Universe?”
Invisible Man Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSBsNeYqh-k
“The Dark Universe” was Universal Studio’s response to the saga and ensemble releases coming from major studios, most notably Marvel’s “The Avengers”, DC Comics “Justice League.” In a way, it was pitched as a new anti-hero ensemble, corralling all of the famous monsters that we have seen in literature, film and television time and time again. It was their chance to take share at the box office.
"The Dark Universe" Trailer (2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCm2PX5Iz00
“The Dark Universe” was first announced back in 2017 and rolled out its (somewhat) impressive line-up of monster movies that would be coming to our big-screens in just a few years-time. Actually, Johnny Depp was originally supposed to play the "Invisible Man" before Blumhouse snatched the rights and decided to take it under their wing with a new plot and storyline. In 2017, Universal Studios had slated re-makes and revivals with just a few of the following titles:
1. The Bride of Frankenstein
2. The Invisible Man
3. Van Helsing
4. Dracula
5. Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde
6. Phantom of the Opera
7. The Mummy
Yeah, you saw it. “The Mummy”– remember that revival gem starring Tom Cruise that was released in 2017 and bombed? It’s ok if you don’t remember, no one saw it anyways. Universal Studios decided before the release of “The Mummy” they would announce the upcoming films that would carry on in its legacy in the next few years.
The problem, “The Mummy” did not leave a promising legacy. Bombing at the Box Office at just $31 Million during its opening weekend, this was seen as a huge failure from a Studio that was hoping to launch an additional universe and more characters. Also, keep in mind, the budget behind this film was upwards of $195 Million….
It’s important to note the distinction here, although the “Invisible Man” debut with $29 Million opening weekend is less than “The Mummy’s” debut, the “Invisible Man” only cost $9 Million to make. Checking today, in just three weeks, it was already crossed the $100 Million Box Office Worldwide – that’s a success.
Anyways, not a great representation and turn out for “The Mummy” and it’s dismal release and feature is what lead to the eradication of “The Dark Universe”. While they still had a few movies on the slate that they were moving forward with, they were no longer pitching the new releases as part of “The Dark Universe”, they decided they would just release independently and quietly.
However, success that that “Invisible Man” has seen at the domestic and worldwide Box Office has got people wondering, is it enough to re-vamp the “Dark Universe” and start on a new foot? It might just be, just yesterday Blumhouse Productions announced that they are moving forward with Universal Studio’s for a new re-make of Dracula, directed by Karyn Kusama (“Destroyer”). It seems like a quick and swift attempt to sweep their short-comings under the rug and start on a new slate. And based on the success of “Invisible Man”, I’m 100% ok with it.
I loved the “Invisible Man” and I don’t usually love horror movies, let me pre-face. What worked for me in the “Invisible Man” was the plot, made contemporary, it features Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss) on the run from her abusive husband Adrian (Olive Jackson-Cohen). On the night of her escape, she finds out that her husband has killed himself and left her $5 Million if she agrees to keep quiet.
Wary at first of her new-found freedom, Cecilia begins to hesitantly step back out into the real world, until she realizes, she is being stalked and harassed by someone that she cannot see, someone that is invisible. The movie was suspenseful and satisfying, filled with twists that keep you engaged the duration of the film. ALERT: I am NOT a gory movie person, I hate it and this had minimal gore, more suspense.
So will this mean that “The Dark Universe” is back? I guess we will have to see with the success of “Dracula” in the next year.
And that’s the sitch.
コメント