"Those Are NUTS" Universal Reveals First Look at Epic Universe Monster Animatronics

Epic Universe is just months away from opening and the hype is real!

Universal Parks – Epic Universe ©Universal

And for fellow Universal Monster fans, the hype is even more so as we finally get a close look at the incredible animatronics that will take part in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Let’s check it out!

If you hear squealing in the distance, pay no mind, as most of us here on the DFB team love animatronics and classic Universal Monsters. So, to finally get the best of both worlds is simply EPIC (see what we did there?) Entertainment Weekly got an exclusive sneak peek at the animated figures inside of the attraction, which will be hosting its first victims (ahem, we mean riders) on Epic Universe’s opening day on May 22nd, 2025.

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment leads visitors into the eerie depths of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of the notorious Henry Frankenstein, has carried out countless dark and hidden experiments. Wanting to showcase her brilliance, Dr. Frankenstein invites guests to observe the creatures she has contained. But when her demonstration spirals out of control, the monsters break free, leaving visitors caught in the mayhem. Does that sound like a good time or what?

©Universal

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has 14 animatronics placed throughout the ride. These impressive figures are said to be “some of the most visceral, powerful, and fast-moving animated figures ever created”. The Frankenstein’s monster figure itself stands at nine feet tall and weighs over 800 pounds. There will also be animatronics created for Dracula, the Wolf Man, ad the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

The Creature From the Black Lagoon

Guests’ encounters with these monsters will begin in the attraction’s queue as they roam Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab during the ride’s pre-show.

©Universal

Dracula fans will be giddy to know that they can encounter this iconic vampire throughout several points of the ride, as he is leading the pack of monsters to give guests the fright of their lives. And as much as we think Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is absolutely cool, as monster lovers, we’re gonna have to go with Team Drac on this one!

©Universal

According to an Epic Universe press release, riders will be “within inches” of the Wolf Man’s menacing fangs and claws as he lunges at guests as they speed by in their vehicles. And as for the Creature From The Black Lagoon, also known as “Gill-Man”, he will rise from the murky depths to join his fellow monsters as they terrorize riders.

©Universal

Guests inside of Epic Universe will also be able to meet many of the monsters for photo ops throughout Dark Universe, which is set inside the fictional town of Darkmoor, and can even transform into a monster themselves inside of the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.

©Universal

There will also be several eateries including Das Stakehaus, a restaurant run by a group of vampire familiars who are basically prepping diners to become part of the vampires’ feast, The Burning Blade Tavern, marked by a windmill set ablaze as a nod to the classic 1931 Frankenstein film, and De Lacey’s Cottage which is located next to Frankenstein Manor.

Frankenstein’s Monster

These animatronics showcase an impressive amount of detail, from the shape of their claws and sharp teeth, to the intricate textures of their skin and costumes. To see them brought to life in such an incredible way has us awe-struck, and we cannot wait to come face to face with them in this thrilling adventure of a lifetime!

Stay tuned as we bring you even more Epic Universe updates.

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