Wolfman producer Ken Cao shares his thoughts on Universal Pictures’ canceled plans for The Dark Universe and why it’s for the best.
Universal decided to leave the Dark Universe behind in favor of standalone stories like Wolfman. The film’s producer, Ken Kao, prefers a singular approach to a shared universe. Blumhouse’s Werewolf brings a unique narrative to horror cinema in 2025. Kao suggests that a successful monster movie takes its cues from the Joker’s individual success.
The production starts in October
Universal Pictures once planned to line up its own collective horror cinema universe, which would include classic monster characters (and some new ones) in a modern setting. This project begins with the 2017 reboot of The Mummy starring Tom Cruise. However, the idea failed. Universal chose to abandon the idea of a shared universe in order to focus on unique and independent stories that were not connected to other narratives. So recent or future releases such as Abigail, Nosferatu and The Wolf Man have come out of the original idea of the production company.
Producer Ken Cao shared in an interview with Screen Rant: “As an outsider, I would say that the Mummy’s dark universe, IMHO, seems like a reaction to what happened with the whole superhero thing. We know there’s been a lot of discussion over the past year or so. “I guess you could call it more of a Joker approach,” the producer said candidly before explaining. In my opinion, it makes more sense to me, especially if you’re going to do it for pieces that Blumhouse is really good at making. So it’s a good manual.
A new approach to horror cinema
For many, the possibilities a shared universe presents are exciting (as seen in Marvel’s MCU), but monster movies are an entirely different beast, much more difficult for creative teams. In that sense, Kao seems right.
With the Wolfman movie set to hit theaters on January 17, 2025, horror fans are eagerly anticipating what Blumhouse will bring to the screen. Known for its innovative and successful approach to the horror genre, Blumhouse is ready to put a new and exciting spin on this classic monster character.
Blumhouse and the vision of Wolfman
Blumhouse Productions, a proven expert at making low-budget, yet big-hitting horror films, is behind the new version of The Wolfman. This stand-alone approach focuses on its own story and promises to deliver a more intense and focused experience, with a more complex plot than a shared universe could create.
Universal’s decision to ditch the Dark Universe and let Blumhouse take over The Wolfman could be a strategic move that changes how monster movies are viewed today. The success of The Joker has proven that a standalone film resonates deeply with audiences, and Kao firmly believes The Wolf Man can do the same in the horror genre.
The effect of Joker’s success
The success of The Joker is a clear example of how a film focused on self-contained narrative and deep character development can succeed without having to be tied to a larger universe. Ken Kao suggests that this model could be key to the success of The Wolf Man and other future Blumhouse projects. By focusing on telling a compelling and well-structured story, Wolfman has the potential to stand out and leave a lasting impression on audiences.
In short, Universal’s decision to abandon the concept of a shared universe in favor of standalone stories like Wolfman may be the key to reviving classic horror monsters. With Blumhouse at the helm, fans can expect a film that not only pays homage to the character’s legacy, but also brings a new perspective to the genre.
With The Wolf Man scheduled for release in 2025, horror fans have a lot to look forward to. Blumhouse’s experience in the horror genre and Universal’s decision to focus on standalone stories promises a new era for classic monsters. Excitement builds as the production team works to bring this unique vision to the big screen, ensuring The Wolf Man is a critical and commercial success.