On 22nd May 2025, Universal Studios will debut a terrifying new attraction at Universal Epic Universe that will feature the return of its famous monsters. Modern animatronics will bring classic horror icons like Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolf Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon to life, giving visitors a close-up look at these iconic characters.
One of the four separate sections of the new park, the horror-themed Dark Universe sector of Epic Universe, will be anchored by the new ride ‘Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment’. Visitors are immersed in the spooky world of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant of Mary Shelley’s original mad scientist, in this immersive experience.
Image Courtesy: Collider
Her latest experiment, a presentation that rapidly devolves into chaos when creatures escape, will be demonstrated to visitors within her mansion. In order to survive, visitors must make their way through the dim, winding hallways while dodging the released horrors, which comprise fourteen distinct animatronics that depict Universal’s famous creatures.
The horror genre at Universal has a long history with these characters. Boris Karloff’s 1931 portrayal of Frankenstein’s Monster revolutionized horror filmmaking; Karloff reprised the part in ‘Bride of Frankenstein’, and Glenn Strange played the part in subsequent follow-ups. Bela Lugosi’s iconic portrayal of Count Dracula became a mainstay in early Universal productions, even making appearances with comedians Abbott and Costello.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
The Gillman from ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ (1954) and the Wolf Man, played by Lon Chaney Jr., will both make a comeback, completing the cast of memorable antagonists.
Dark Universe is an exciting option for horror enthusiasts, while Epic Universe will also feature themed zones like ‘Super Nintendo World’, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, and ‘Harry Potter’.
–Farheen Ali