Universal Monsters live again as Epic Universe unveils gruesome Dark Universe animatronics

Five years ago, Universal Orlando announced Epic Universe, a new theme park for the resort that brings together several themed lands. One of the worlds you can visit in the park is Dark universebased on Universal’s stable of classic movie monsters. And yes, it shares a name with the failed reboot of the classic monsters in 2017. Either way, these classic creatures are getting a modern facelift as part of the attraction. And now Universal has unveiled some of the most impressive monster animatronics yet for these horror icons.

The Dark Universe used in Epic Universe is completely separate from the last cinematic revival that failed with Tom Cruise’s The Mummy. Instead, the designs used for The Frankenstein Experiment hark back to the original designs for the Universal Monsters from their debut almost a century ago. The animatronic figure for Frankenstein’s monster alone is said to stand nine feet tall and weigh over 800 pounds. And he’ll be able to walk around the pre-show attraction in Dr. Frankenstein.

The dr. However, Frankenstein in this ride will be Victoria Frankenstein, the great-granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein. The ride’s storyline revolves around Victoria’s attempt to control the Universal Monsters before her mansion is attacked by Dracula himself. According to Universal, this attraction will feature “14 of the most ambitious and lifelike animated characters ever created,” including Dracula, the Wolf Man and Gill-Man, better known as the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Outside of the Frankenstein Experiment, the Dark Universe’s corner of the Epic Universe will be populated by other famous creatures, including the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man and Victoria’s assistant Ygor, as well as a currently unnamed monster hunter.

Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025.