Paul Feig to get freaky with new monster movie Dark Army for Universal

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Universal's "Dark Universe" project might be dead in the water, but that's not about to stop the studio from attempting to start a brand new monster mash in theaters. It's been announced that BRIDESMAIDS and the much-maligned GHOSTBUSTERS helmer, Paul Feig, has just landed a deal at Universal to develop DARK ARMY, a monster movie that Feig will write and direct based on his own original idea. Feig and Laura Fischer will produce via the filmmaker's Universal-based Feigco Productions.

It's been a rough road for monsters in cinema these past few years. In 2017, Universal failed to launch their "Dark Universe" initiative after THE MUMMY starring Tom Cruise and Sofia Boutella shambled toward dismal numbers at the box office. Perhaps what's even more surprising is that director Michael Dougherty's GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS also underperformed at the box office. With questionable performances coutesy of the films I've just mentioned, one has to wonder if monsters still have a place up on the big screen.

One studio that's willing to give a classic horror figure the old college try is Blumhouse with Leigh Whannell’s upcoming INVISIBLE MAN film starring Elisabeth Moss. Could it be that Whannell’s take on the tragically transparent character will be the spark that starts a roaring fire for monsters in cinema? I sure hope so, because while some are undoubtedly already sharpening their pitchforks at the thought of Feig entering the monster arena, it sure would be nice if someone, anyone came along and reinvigorated the genre. Is Feig the one to do it? I've no idea. That being said, I welcome the opportunity for monsters to be given another go on the silver screen.

Whether Feig's DARK ARMY will tie into Universal's classic monster movie mold has yet to be determined, though it has been confirmed that he will introduce new characters into the realm of things that go bump in the night with this new film.