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Dark Universe: Stars to revive monster classics in new franchise

A new series of star-studded films is being made reviving classic monster characters like Frankenstein and Dr Jekyll.

Tom Cruise's upcoming blockbuster The Mummy will be the first in the new generation of monster films.

The franchise, called the Dark Universe, was announced on Monday by Universal Studios, which holds the rights to the original Mummy, Bride Of Frankenstein, Dr Jekyll and The Invisible Man.

A photo of Cruise alongside Russell Crowe, Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem and Sofia Boutella was released to mark the announcement.

Depp has been confirmed as the Invisible Man and Bardem as Frankenstein.

Crowe stars as Dr Jekyll alongside Cruise and Boutella in The Mummy.

Donna Langley of Universal Pictures said: "We take enormous pride in the creativity and passion that has inspired the reimagining of Universal's iconic monsters and promise audiences we will expand this series strategically."

After The Mummy's release in June this year, the studio will start working on Bride Of Frankenstein and has already found a director.

Bill Condon, who directed Beauty And The Beast, will be at the helm of the film, which is scheduled for release in the winter of 2019.

"I'm very excited to bring a new Bride of Frankenstein to life on screen, particularly since James Whale's original creation is still so potent," Condon said.

"The Bride of Frankenstein remains the most iconic female monster in film history, and that's a testament to Whale's masterpiece which endures as one of the greatest movies ever made."

The motion logo for the Dark Universe, also released on Monday, features a musical theme composed by Danny Elfman.

Elfman, who has worked with some of Hollywood biggest names from Tim Burton to Peter Jackson, said he "jumped at the opportunity".

"I grew up on monsters," he added.