Universal Monsters Live Again As Epic Universe Reveals Horrifying Dark Universe Animatronics

Five years ago, Universal Orlando announced Epic Universe, a new theme park for the resort that brings together multiple themed lands. One of the worlds you’ll be able to visit within the park is Dark Universe, based on Universal’s stable of classic movie monsters. And yes, it shares a name with the failed reboot of the classic monsters in 2017. Regardless, those classic creatures are getting a modern facelift as part of the attraction. And now, Universal has revealed some of the most impressive monster animatronics to date for these icons of horror.

The Dark Universe utilized in Epic Universe is completely separate from the last cinematic revival that fell flat with Tom Cruise’s The Mummy. Instead, the designs used for The Frankenstein Experiment harken 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 be nine feet tall and over 800 pounds. And he’ll be able to walk around during the preshow attraction in Dr. Frankenstein’s lab.

However, the Dr. Frankenstein in this ride will be Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein. The ride’s storyline revolves around Victoria’s attempt to control the Universal Monsters before her manor comes under attack by Dracula himself. According to Universal, this attraction will have “14 of the most ambitious and life-like animated figures ever created,” including Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Gill-Man, who is better known as the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Outside of The Frankenstein Experiment, Dark Universe’s corner of 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 will open on May 22, 2025.