Failed Big Screen Dreams: Why Universal's Dark Universe is Not Rediscovered

While the concept of a shared cinematic universe seemed promising, Universal's Dark Universe faced significant challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Analyzing the attempts and outcomes of films under this banner can provide valuable insights into the pitfalls of ambitious but poorly executed shared universes.

Introduction of the Dark Universe

Ironically, the concept of the Dark Universe didn't live up to its name. This project aimed to revitalize the fortunes of Universal Pictures by rebooting and re-envisioning classic horror and fantasy franchises, creating a shared cinematic universe. However, with only one successful film released (The Mummy in 2017), the rest of the plans were scrapped due to various factors.

The Mummy: A Disastrous Beginnings

The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise, marked the only release of the Dark Universe. Despite grossing over 410 million worldwide, the film received generally negative reviews from critics and landed Universal a loss of up to 95 million. The failure was not just due to one factor but a combination of overambitious plans and a lack of coherent storytelling.

Overambition and Underachievement in Shared Universes

The Dark Universe was an ambitious attempt to create a shared cinematic universe with a series of films featuring classic characters. However, the timing and approach were off. Universal tried to replicate the success of Marvel Studios, but they failed to consider the subtleties and methods that made the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) a resounding success.

Lessons from Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios didn't rush into creating an interconnected universe. Instead, they built up their universe over several years, starting with standalone films that later referenced each other. It was only with the success of films like Iron Man, Iron Man II, and The Avengers that the momentum for the MCU became unstoppable. Each subsequent film leveraged the established lore and built on the interconnectivity of the series.

Warner Bros. and Failed Attempts

Warner Bros. attempted to emulate the success of the MCU with their DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, their approach lacked coherence and vision. Each director followed their own continuity, leading to conflicting versions of the same characters. For example, both James Wan's Aquaman and Zack Snyder's version were considered canon, which could be confusing for audiences. Additionally, Warner Bros. often inflated their production budgets by casting high-salary actors, resulting in films that were difficult to follow and ultimately failed to capitalize on their initial successes.

Universal's Failed Plans and Frustrations

Universal faced similar challenges with their Dark Universe. Instead of focusing on a solid narrative, they hoped that the combined star power of Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe would push a mediocre film into success. The Mummy, as a standalone film, introduced too many characters and a convoluted villain who was poorly executed. These elements, along with an overreliance on spectacle over substance, prevented the film from achieving its potential.

Conclusion

While the concept of a shared cinematic universe has appeal, it requires careful planning and execution. The Dark Universe's failure can be attributed to overambition and a lack of focus on storytelling. The lessons learned from the MCU and other failed attempts can help aspiring filmmakers and studios create more successful and coherent cinematic universes. As it stands, the Dark Universe is unlikely to be resurrected, but its legacy can serve as a cautionary tale for future ambitious projects.