Universal Studios had already attempted to launch their Dark Universe twice with Dracula Untold and The Mummy, but the way both movies have been received, it looks like the franchise is dead in the water. Guillermo del Toro, a modern day master of movie monsters, has expressed his regret that he didn't take the reins of the Dark Universe when it was offered to him back in 2007.
Talking to the New York Times, del Toro admits:
"The only time I repent I didn't do something was in 2007, when Universal in an incredibly gentle and beautiful manner said do you want to take over the Monster Universe? And they gave me the reins of several properties, and I didn't do it. That I repent. So this is a confessional moment, I repent. That's the only thing."
If you consider the timeline, 2007 would have been a perfect way to start building up the universe, what with Marvel starting the MCU in 2008. Now it seems that Cinematic Universes have been played out, and this Dark Universe is looking like some knock-off Avengers with movie monsters instead of superheroes.
Personally, I think monster movie reboots are fine, but I don't really need to see a "team-up" film happen. Maybe a Van Helsing reboot would be fun, but the way it looks, Universal may be giving up on the concept of their Dark Universe already.
In my opinion they should just remake League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
For now you can catch Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water when it hits theaters Dec. 1.
See Also: Guillermo del Toro Explains Why He's Drawn to Monster Films as A Kid
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