Universal abandon Dark Universe plans as standalone Invisible Man movie gets new director

Instead of interconnected films, Universal is now looking to reboot its classic monsters under the guidance of distinctive directors

A scene from a 1959 television version of 'The Invisible Man', directed by Pennington Richards (Getty Images)

Universal’s Dark Universe is officially kaput.

The studio’s planned shared universe of films, based on its roster of classic movie monsters, has been abandoned in favour of a new approach.

Variety reports that Upgrade‘s Leigh Whannell will direct a reboot of The Invisible Man for Blumhouse, the production company behind the likes of Get Out and Insidious. Whannell will also write the script.

Instead of interconnected films, Universal is now looking to reboot the characters under the guidance of distinctive directors like Whannell – Upgrade received strong reviews and praise for its blend of action, horror, and sci-fi.

The move came after The Mummy, which was promoted as the first Dark Universe film, fell short of expectations at the box office, earning $409m worldwide.

Johnny Depp was previously attached to star in the Dark Universe's rendition of The Invisible Man, but he is not expected to appear in the new version. Sources state, however, that he may be featured in a future monster movie project from the studio.

“Throughout cinematic history, Universal’s classic monsters have been reinvented through the prism of each new filmmaker who brought these characters to life,” said Peter Cramer, Universal’s president of production.

“We are excited to take a more individualized approach for their return to screen, shepherded by creators who have stories they are passionate to tell with them.”