Universal is moving ahead on their shared monsters cinematic universe, which officially debuts withTom Cruise’sThe Mummynext year. Originally,Luke Evans’Dracula Untoldwas supposed to be the kickoff, but that didn’t exactly work out. However, it looks like he may still get another crack at playing Dracula in theUniversal Monsters universe, and it sounds like Universal may attempt to avoid recasting the role.
In a recent interview withLatino Review,Luke Evanstalked a bit about Universal’s plans and revealed that conversations have happened between himself and the studio. While nothing seems overly firm or certain, it appears that his version of Dracula could be coming face to face withJohnny Deppas the Invisible Man at some point. Here is what he had to say.
“There have been talks and conversations. I think the bigger picture is exciting for all the monsters that they own. There is talk about it. I just don’t know how it will all manifest itself. I think it will happen and I think they’re just working out how these monsters interact and how they end up in the same realm with each other. If they can stick Captain America in a scene with Iron Man and Thor, I think you can definitely putWolf Man, the Invisible Man, The Mummy and Dracula in the same film as well.”
Luke Evansmay have a fair point. While other studios are trying to cobble together some form of shared universe in order to chase the success that Marvel is enjoying, Universal may actually be chasing one that makes sense. There is plenty of precedent in the history of cinema for these monsters to crossover, so there is no reason to believe they can’t make it work in the modern Hollywood landscape. Also, Universal was reasonably smart and tacked on a post credit scene inDracula Untoldthat broughtLuke Evans' Dracula into the modern age, so the door is open should that be the direction the studio wants to take it.
As of right now Universal is piecing this monster universe together and they are seemingly going after top-notch talent at every turn. First, they haveTom Cruiseleading next year’sMummymovie, which will also feature an appearance by Dr. Jekyll, who is being played byRussell Crowe. As mentioned,Johnny Depphas also been cast to play the lead in the reboot ofThe Invisible Man. It is also rumored that Oscar winnerJavier Bardemis being eyed for the newFrankenstein movie. That is a pretty impressive stable of talent.
It is no secret thatDracula Untoldwasn’t quite the movie that Universal was hoping for. It did ok business at the box office, bringing in $217 million worldwide on a $70 million budget. Unfortunately, critics really didn’t like it as the movie currently sits at a paltry 22 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience rating wasn’t much better. That being said,Luke Evanswas not the problem by most accounts. He is a very talented actor and could easily fit in with the rest of the cast Universal is assembling. While Universal would have liked a better movie, they didn’t pick a bad actor and there is no reason they shouldn’t be able to stick with him. We’ll have to wait and see ifLuke Evansgets another crack at it as thesenew monster moviesmake their way to theaters.
