The Wolfman is soon to howl onto cinema screens and from where we’re standing this is shaping up to be a great creature feature. It seems to have taken classic sensibilities (an old-school setting, anyway) and blended this with some hair-raising new special effects – what’s not to like? Either way, we have high hopes for this one.
So this got us thinking: what beasts are there lurking in the Universal vaults that are begging to be unleashed in a remake/reboot? We got our list sprites working hard to bring you this rundown of the creature features that could be heading our way in the near future.
Be afraid…
1. Creature From The Black Lagoon
Released: 1954
We reported on this remake a while back, but at this time we are still no closer to seeing this gunk-ridden monster leap out on screen. Come on Hollywood, dip your toes back in this franchise.
2. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame
Released: 1923
Disney had its chance with this one, but now it’s time to hand it over to a harsher hand. Like Victor Hugo’s original novel, the 1923 silent version of this text was spooky, a little downbeat maybe, but it has ultimately dated a little. Modern CGI and prosthetics could bring us the most visceral Quasimodo we’ve ever seen. Chuck in a darker story and we could have something quite special.
3. The Phantom Of The Opera
Released: 1925
If Hollywood can, just for a second, get past those loveable show tunes it will find that beneath Phantom Of The Opera’s camp creepy veneer, there is a terrifying tale to be unleashed. Go unleash it.
4. The Mummy
Released: 1932
Universal recently revisited this property and brought us the fun and flighty The Mummy. Sadly, this was followed up by a brace of dodgy sequels. If the studio took to the sands again, but played it totally for scares, then maybe this bandaged creation could frighten us in the same way that Boris Karloff did all those years ago.
5. Murders In The Rue Morgue
Released: 1932
Despite being ignored on its release, it’s generally agreed now that this is one of Universal’s best monster offerings. Based on an Edgar Allan Poe story, this creepy tale centres on a mad scientist who has a habit of kidnapping prostitutes and injecting them with ape blood. Naturally, he has designs on creating some kind of humanoid ape. This premise alone deserves to be given a contemporary slant.
