Universal's SECRET PLAN for Dark Universe

Universal Studios recently announced Dark Universe, a new themed land within Epic Universe set to open in 2025. But what if I told you that Dark Universe is more than just a theme park, but rather the critical piece of Universal's secret masterplan to take over Hollywood.
All footage belongs to Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Company, and Marvel Studios.
FAIR USE NOTICE: This video may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for educational purposes only. This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. section 106A-117 of the US Copyright Law.

[@theonlydq]

Thank you to everyone who's watched, liked, commented, and subscribed - I truly appreciate each and every one of you :)

[@tedsowards]

You should pin this to the top of the comments.

[@adammayo4377]

Don't forget that Universal has already been setting the stage for Dark Universe with HHN houses based on Universal Monsters the past few years.

[@TheofficialEphraim]

You've just found your niche. Double-down on Epic Universe and Universal info/rumors for the next little while (also the Universal park coming to England) and this channel will explode!

[@theonlydq]

Stay tuned...more epic universe content coming :)

[@ThrowbackGaming1]

Also wanted to note that this video did so well because the title and thumbnail is great

[@michaelgarofalo]

To say that Dark Universe was an odd choice for a land in EU shows how little you know about the theme park industry especially when it comes to Universal and their IPs. Writing has been on the wall for MANY years

[@matthewhowell7335]

Right - this video is just restating the obvious. It’s also pretty stupid to imply Universal came up with the idea this year to re-focus on dark universe.

[@marie-hu5yq]

I think you’re wrong about the relevance of Frankenstein and other classic monsters, there is a huge cult following of these old horror movies. People have been craving a ‘villains’ or spooky side of theme parks for a while. Look how popular Halloween horror nights is, they are capitalizing on the monsters that have a following and they already own them.

[@Noahwohlsen]

I think they are avoiding the “Tomorrowland” problem by picking old and classic monsters. They have lasted this long they are never going anywhere as far as relevancy goes. FNAF or some other property while for one not being grand enough to build a whole land on also will probably lose relevancy a lot faster than the classic monsters

[@Gael-qk5gw]

FNAF has been around for 10 years and it’s arguably more popular than ever but I don’t think it’s that big of a property for a whole land but maybe it could be a part of a bigger land with other horror icons like a Michael Myers ride, a chucky ride, maybe even a stranger things ride. All 4 of those franchises are bigger today than any of the classic universal monsters

[@Noahwohlsen]

@@Gael-qk5gw I’m not denying FNAF still being relevant that’s obvious I just am thinking from a theme park perspective would that be a relevant land 10-20 years from now. I think you make a good point with the other ones though I could see stranger things maybe working as a land. But I do think everyone including little kids who might be brave enough to check out the land are familiar with Frankenstein and Dracula

[@Gael-qk5gw]

@@Noahwohlsen the secret life of pets has a dark ride at Universal Studios Hollywood and that franchise has fall off the face of the earth even before the ride of opened, Dark Universe has a lot of expansion space so I think maybe they should focus on those modern franchises I had mentioned to better their chances of success

[@alexdavis-mann8513]

The problem with the mummy was it was all about Tom, cast unknowns and make great stories

[@LChatmanFL]

I actually thought the movie was great. They didn't give us some tired old dusty mummy slowly dragging it's feet around. The female lead was frightening and interesting. Even the Jekyll and Hyde was done well for its short appearance.

[@brianl8481]

I thought it was nice that they went back to the more horror roots of the IP, and away from the pure comedy of Brendan Frasers reboot.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

When Epic Universe opens, Im going to Dark Universe last and enter for the first time at night.

[@MrJersey84]

Bring in Freddy, Jason, Myers. The kings of horror. They are considered classics now.

[@jdelray]

this was really good. I agree with the others saying you should do more Epic Universe stutff. I didn't think of this, but you are exactly right. The main attraction features all advanced animatronics, no screens except in backgrounds, and the Phantom of the Opera will play an organ with 14 flame points that shoot vertical flames over three feet in the air and dance in synchronicity with the music. It is going to be the best attraction in the park, the Harry Potter one may give it a run for its money apparently that is revolutionary, as well. If you've been on Forbidden Journey, you know how easy this will be to create a terrifying experience. The wherewolf they previewed looks better than Disney's yeti.

[@theonlydq]

For sure - really excited to see Universal continue to push the limits on what they can do with their attractions

[@cortez1258]

I was expecting this channel to have at least 100k subscribers, the video was so high quality and well written I didn’t bat an eye. I love the outro music too. Keep making this kind of content and your channel will explode

[@robertporter6641]

That’s actually brilliant. After a year or two, if the land is successful, introduce the idea of a Frankenstein film which takes place in Darkmoor. Victoria has created her monster, but play up on the idea that she is the real monster. The sins of her fathers before her run deep as even she continues to play God to disastrous results. Work an end credits scene where Renfield tells Dracula of what happened and they book a boat from Transylvania to Darkmoor to pay her a visit setting up the Dracula film. Wolfman is a stand alone film until the end credits when he’s found one morning in Darkmoor harbor and while people are helping him, Gill-Man’s hand pops out of the water and onto the dock. In Frankenstein 2, Victoria creates the Bride because it’s not good for a man to be alone but Dracula tries to seduce her causing Frank and Drac to fight. There’s an end credits scene somewhere in Egypt where they’re uncovering the tomb of Imhotep. It could be awesome!

[@vectorwolf]

I think one of the most important factors here is the very licenses you mentioned. They have to pay out to Rowling, for example, and she has creative control (iron fisted!) Of whatever Universal does. Meanwhile, the Monsters are totally public domain. They can literally reimagine them however they like, no holds barred, no need to give control (or money) to anyone else. Besides, they know their market share, who wants more edgy entertainment than Disney... who aren't even allowed to change their own attractions without people throwing a fit.

[@ErikHeimdallr]

Dark Universe was an odd choice? Just the opposite. It was a perfect choice. When I was a kid during the 1970's I was obsessed with the iconic Universal Monsters. I would peruse TV Guide hoping to see them being shown. Our local theater (an old Vaudeville theater) would occasionally show a Monster Movie Marathon and my friends and I would eat it up. For Halloweens I would dress as either Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, or the Werewolf I always dreamed of a theme park based on those classic monsters and it's finally coming true.

[@Cam4Cameron]

That last shot feels like a war map but for theme park supremacy.

[@jotdownsome]

The Dark Universe was announced in 2017 while Epic Universe was in the planning stages. They were more than likely conceived hand in hand with the expectation that the movies would draw people to the park. The movies failed so they pivoted into a less expensive more generalized version of the original plan.

[@VinluvAntonHandesbukia]

I like how they’re artificially trying to make their own “pirates of the Caribbean” type franchise and I think they’re working

[@RONALDSPENCER]

my favorite is Wolfman

[@tarazieminek1947]

Disney did this too (ride to movie) with Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise

[@theonlydq]

Good point! Disney's done a few "ride to movie" adaptations...with varying degrees of success. I think what makes Dark Universe interesting is that it started with the classic movies from 100 years ago, but Universal realized that to make them cool for today's generation, they needed to generate hype - hence the Dark Universe park.

[@tarazieminek1947]

@@theonlydq I think it is also a way to prove that the (current) Disney technique of slapping IP on a ride and expecting it to carry the ride is wrong. If you build a quality ride/ experience / land then the IP doesn't matter as much.

[@theonlydq]

@@tarazieminek1947 Couldn't have said it better myself

[@crassmonkey18]

@@theonlydq You've got it so wrong. The land is leftover from the Dark Universe they already tried and failed to bring to theaters. The mummy with Tom Cruise was a bomb. They had movies planned for the other monsters and canceled them. It was literally called the same thing as the land. It takes years and years of planning to make a new theme park. The land was planned when they thought the movies would do well. They were too far into it to quit when they scapped the movies. You should try to get some sources from Universal before making these theories.

[@scoutkbartholomew722]

The story arcs of these great classics helped build the foundation of all horror, all horror today.

[@juliamcgee9607]

At first, you sounded like a millenial who had never seen the old monster movies. But then you pointed to the success of HHN with its monster houses. And you surprised us with that picture of Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp as having a deeper meaning for Dark Universe. Well done.

[@HereForTheComments]

I definitely wish it was the 2010s again. When "cinematic universe" hype was everywhere. I know that's consoomer of me to want more excuses to give studios my money, and I concede that. But we were hitting untold levels of hype back then.

[@jamesbarrows9652]

Parents and Grandparents are already on board and very excited about this theme park land......Even if the movie based Dark Universe fails.....(and if they cant keep the budgets down it might) its all the other T shirts, mugs, Halloween costumes, Key chains and merchandising crap that they stand to make a TON on.....if they can hook the interest of the younger people.

[@RogerS_UK-1941]

A really interesting and observant video. I’m looking forward to watching the development of Universal in the Uk. I shall follow your channel with great interest. Good luck and looking forward to more information.

[@rickpontificates3406]

If they want to make a REALLY SCARY part of Epic Universe, make it based on Chicago, Detroit, or LA.

[@munozgio]

I'm seriously so jealous that Orlando has something like this. I would've loved Dark Universe to come to Hollywood!

[@bigbeanpot]

I think they should have added a covered spinning ride that captures the energy from the entry portal and then transfers it to the Manor. Add ghoulish faces being sucked into a central energy "pod" via projection mapping, creepy music, fog all the good stuff, the energy builds and builds sending the ride into over-drive, then releases to the Manor in an energy burst. I've never watched any of the classic Universal monster movies. But I know who all the monsters are, they are like Mickey Mouse, ingrained in our culture. Universal knows this, they are capitalizing on that. Plus they are already paying Nintendo and WB licensing fees for two of their lands, so why pay more for a third land when people were clamoring for dark, scary, classic monsters to happen. They even changed the look of the monsters because they'd have to pay licensing fees to use their exact likeness. Again, having never seen the classic films, this is still my most anticipated land, just because I love dark, spooky atmosphere and I think the monsters are neat, well recognized characters. Also, it was never stated that Monsters Unchained was THE scariest ride, they said ONE OF the scariest. Does that mean they think it could be on par with another attraction, Mummy? The Indominous Rex chase from Beijing? Tickly Moot-Moot? The Dementors in Forbidden Journey?

[@Scotticus71]

Your video is well thought out and very nicely produced. I'm happy to be an early subscriber #60 and I look forward to future vlogs!

[@theonlydq]

Appreciate it!

[@therecordbreakerphd]

Definitely deserve more subs and views, keep it up!

[@theonlydq]

Appreciate the support! 🙏🙏🙏

[@VinluvAntonHandesbukia]

It does feel like they’re trying to reverse engineer the Pirates of the Carribbean film franchise’s success and I hope they win.

[@PaulieLauraXombie1331]

At 34 I can confidently say Ive seen, own and collect movies and figures of all Universals horror IPs.. This is the park I've been waiting for my entire life. Dam I was born on Halloween! I can not wait to go for my 36th birthday Halloween horror night in this portal, dream come true 😊 Hope they expand even further down the road..

[@toddhensley880]

If they are going to try to make new Dark Universe movies, they need someone who knows the classic versions and understands why they worked in the first place.

[@lightskinjayt2627]

Wait until bro finds out about Pirates of the Caribbean

[@tjmfs1981]

This is genius... This video was really well put together. Can't wait to see more

[@user-fq3yk5il8z]

Other than Super Mario this is the main area of epic universe that I am WAITING FOR i love the OLD BLACK AND WHITE MONSTERS

[@user-cr6po8uv9s]

Put together extremely well .

[@donttouchmysilver8202]

Dracula may not be but vampires still are very relevant in 2024

[@chrismcdowell7138]

I hope the Disney folks are watching this. Dark Universe is that alternative to the various Disney PG offerings. Now Disney wants to tone down the Haunted Mansion, because Disney wants to even push HM more into a PG offering? PG is fine, but that’s not the only market out there. Disney, as Universal does, has to trust their guests to understand the fantasy, from the real.

[@MeiHan-kd7nm]

great video. I love it!

[@theonlydq]

Thanks!

[@shulinqin2748]

Fantastic video!

[@tedsowards]

Great video. I'll subscribe.

[@theonlydq]

🙌

[@Drebe73]

I have no doubt the land will be a hit. If the movies do come from this then they need to be modernized for sure and not include these particular A-Listers. They will need fresh blood by tapping into young Hollywood. Make the connection with a demographic that will last many years. That’s seems to be the plan. Plus they already have a built in audience for this with Gen X-ers and before.

[@Mickey0691]

when it comes to the Horror community and demographic, they can be way off. just look at the number of Horror conventions and the mixed attendance.

[@user-oy9zy4ds9m]

I know I can’t believe universal would take the huge risk of trying to bring back their classic monsters and make them cool again as you just said. I respect the challenge and originality of universal but dang. Maybe they’re trying to save money from licensing other intellectual properties lol

[@lisathomas1622]

Well done! I am subscriber 164!

[@thatonekid379]

underated KZbinr

[@theonlydq]

This ☝

[@nicklang6798]

Poor Micky...but this looks awasome😎

[@Dehslash9]

The only way to bring the Dark Universe back to Hollywood would be if Guillmo Deltoro and Sam Raimi were both put in charge of the entire franchise. But if them know how to make Action and Horror movies, and understand movie making in general.

[@theonlydq]

Couldn't agree more, I think del toro and raimi are perfect fits to make these kind of movies. The question is can universal can convince them to do so...

[@Dehslash9]

@@theonlydq They own a streaming service, a multimedia empire, and two (soon to be three) theme parks; Im sure they can $$Convince Them In Some Way Shape or Form$$. Plus Guillermo will probably just say yes off the bat. The man has a giant frankenstein head looking over you as you walk in as well as Gothic Horror interior decoration all throughout his house. He loves the Creature from the Black Lagoon the most anyway, he'll probably do it for that alone.

[@WolfWriterL.P]

This is AWESOME! I'm definitely gonna sub, please make more Epic universe videos, I already love them!!! Also, your theory is genius. It would be amazing to see a dark universe CU, if they pull it off correctly, and as you said, Dark Universe in Epic is a perfect way for them to market it and give the movies success. The modern horror material today (FNAF, ST) is ok, but the real good stuff lies in the originals.

[@rafaelbalaguer9342]

This isn't really a new concept. Pirates of the Caribbean, Tomorrowland, and Jungle Cruise are movies that came from rides.

[@BD0G]

deserve a lot more subs!

[@travisbutterbrodt8605]

I'm sorry I hate the argument on the having to pick something new compared to og universal monsters. Those original monster are the foundation of horror and are still prevalent even till today even if they have had a resurgence in different styles they will always be there. With using a modern ip there's a bigger chance of it falling off or being to niche. But everyone knows these monsters for ever and always

[@kylepatterson3484]

Keep growing my friend

[@AzKarma2010]

That all would’ve worked before if they wouldn’t put Tom Cruise in anything. I see where you’re coming from and as a parent I have this to add my daughter has never seen any of the classic monster movies, but she knows who all of those characters are thanks to Hotel Transylvania. She is one of those darker gothic kids not all kids are like that but she can’t wait to go to this piece of the park. She wants nothing to do with Disneyland. She has no interest in princesses and that’s OK. I’m just glad there’s a park for her now.

[@jasmine-rose18]

I honestly just hate Tom cruise and the other boring a list actors. Wish they would stop hiring these people and get better actors

[@MattMcIrvin]

Every aging geek who has ever commented on Epic Universe picks the Dark Universe section as the part they're the most excited about. (It certainly is for me.) To the point that I wonder if it's possible to not disappoint them. After all, the last time Universal tried to make "Dark Universe" a thing, starting with the Mummy reboot, it was a miserable flop.

[@jeffsneed8350]

*Frankensteins monster

[@Dreamtheory618]

Not a secret if a little youtuber knows about it. Also, Dark Universe is NOT a odd choice, its literally a perfect choice. oooof

[@ArturioEmerys]

Dude, the opening of your video is so far off it is embarrassing. I guarantee 10 years from now no one will remember 5 Nights at Freddy's, but after 97 years, Dracula and Frankenstein and all the other classic monsters are still Iconic today. Because both are in the public domain, it is hard to count how many remakes and reimaginings have been made since the originals were created. You could argue that without the classic monster movies, Universal would not have persisted until today. Long before Epic Universe was announced, my wife and I met Matt Korn, who used to be the guy who handled the social media accounts for Universal Resorts in Orlando. I asked him why Universal didn't create a Dark Ride similar to the Haunted Mansion that would focus on the Classic Universal Monsters. He launched into a speech where he said those IPs were the past and Universal was all about the future and the next big thing and they would never do such a thing. It was so clearly rehearsed and practiced that I knew it was an official statement crafted to try and deflect from the fact that exact thing was already in development. About 5 years later Epic Universe was announced and I was positive there would be an area for those Classic movie monsters.

[@lxlkir]

You didn’t gain a subscriber you earned a subscriber

[@nicklang6798]

Lets hope it's a nightmare...I mean a success. A nightmarish success 😁

[@Mooshka360]

The video production was quite well done. The content kinda missed the mark, you might look into the history and lore and rumors a bit more, should help you stay on target. The Classic Monsters have saved Universal so many times over the years. They have been killing it with the HHN houses with the Classic Monsters over the past several years. They made a mistake with the recent mummy movie, they forgot the essence of the Classic Monster movies they made. I think if they go back to that and embrace the classic aspects they could make more movies. But the love of the classic monsters never left. So having Dark Universe makes TOTAL sense in EU, honestly it might be their strongest sustaining land (only tied with Nintendo) because both have such a history and lore to expand upon. But do your research and get that history, facts and possible rumors in there and vids like this can go far.

[@theonlydq]

Thanks this is great feedback!

[@Razgriz-Specter]

Dracula isn't culturally relevant?..... The character that has multiple unrelated movies, games, books every single year?

[@MrGreed2000]

please stop using that "ding" sound or lower the volume its very ear piercing i want to hear what you are saying but have to turn it down

[@The_Gentleman_X]

I don’t like the new creature designs. They’re not as cool as the originals.

[@Level13Entertainment]

I stopped watching when he added that image of Five Nights at Freddy’s

[@See-essEll]

Secret plan? It's basically adjacent to Harry Potter. Relatively simple re-theming (and a Hogwarts Express-equivalent transition ride between the two) can make it into Azkaban or Nurmengard (less description in the books gives more creative freedom). Coasters are re-themed almost simply by repainting their trains and giving them a new name, and swap out your animatronics in a darkride and now it's a prison tour (or you getting booked in for magical crimes).

[@crassmonkey18]

The land was started when Universal was trying to do the Dark Universe in movie theaters. Remember the Tom Cruise mummy movie that bombed so bad they canceled the whole universe? They just kept making the land because they were too far into it. Your theory is weird and wrong.