The future of the nascent Dark Universe was thrown into doubt when this summer’s The Mummy received heavily negative reviews and failed to live up to box office expectations. With a whole host of other horror remakes starring big names lined up – e.g. Johnny Depp’s The Invisible Man – Universal are still expected to continue their plans to create a unified monster-filled universe, but will likely take it in a different direction from what was initially mapped out.
Recently, things seemed to be settling down for the Dark Universe, especially when director Bill Condon teased some fresh details about his remake of 1935’s Bride of Frankenstein, starring Javier Bardem as the famous monster and Angelina Jolie as his titular bride. He even hinted that it was to go before cameras early next year. Then, just today, the studio shocked us all by announcing that they had halted production on the pic.
Explaining their decision, Universal said the following in a press release:
“After thoughtful consideration, Universal Pictures and director Bill Condon have decided to postpone Bride of Frankenstein. None of us want to move too quickly to meet a release date when we know this special movie needs more time to come together. Bill is a director whose enormous talent has been proven time and again, and we all look forward to continuing to work on this film together.”
At the time, it was mentioned that both Jolie and Bardem remained on board to star, but apparently, that may not be the case. That’s because The Wrap is reporting tonight that neither are locked in just yet and either could depart, despite what we heard earlier today.
Apparently, things are in a holding pattern, but if Jolie ends up walking, Condon already has an actress in mind to replace her: Gal Gadot. Yes, Wonder Woman herself is being eyed for the Dark Universe and could very well climb on board should Angie pass. Then again, there’s nothing to stay that she will and for the moment, both her and Bardem remain attached.
Casting aside, what’s perhaps more important here is the question of whether or not Bride of Frankenstein can help course-correct the Dark Universe after its rough start. Only time will tell, but while we wait for more to surface, feel free to take to the comments section and let us know who you’d prefer to see in the film, Jolie or Gadot.
