It will be a while before fans get a chance to discover the newUniversal Studiostheme park, but as the project starts to take shape, some exciting possibilities are starting to emerge. This week,BBCreported that the construction of the UK project in Bedfordshire is eyeing franchises like007,PaddingtonandThe Lord of the Ringsto populate the park. However, construction is only set to begin next year if planning permissions are granted.
According to the BBC source, however, the deal has already been established, and it is “unlikely” that plans will change as the project moves on. The source went on to say that the team responsible for projecting the newUniversal theme parkis in the final stages and only making tweaks toThe Lord of the Ringssection. In any case, since it looks like the park will celebratepop culture iconsthat hail from the United Kingdom, it would make sense that theTolkien sagawould get a spot amongJames BondandPaddington.
Even thoughThe Lord of the Ringsismostly associated with New Zealand— where six installments of the movie franchise and Season 1 ofThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerwere filmed — the UK wasJ.R.R. Tolkien’s home for most of his life. In Season 2, the epic Amazon Prime Video seriesrelocated its production to the UKfor the first time in the history of the franchise. Scenes from the show’s latest season were filmed close to the location of the upcoming theme park, in Hertfordshire.
Will There Be ‘Harry Potter’ Rides at the New Universal Studios UK Theme Park?
With filming of the newHarry Potterseriesjust about to kick off under theMaxbanner, fans would certainly like some brand-new theme parks and attractions to celebrate their love forthe wizarding world. However, it is not in the plans of the new Universal Studios theme park in the UK to feature anyHarry Potter-themed attractions for two reasons. The first one is because theWarner Bros.Studio Tour in Leavesden is just a 40-minute drive from where the new theme park will be constructed. Additionally, the source told BBC that “Warner Bros. has the UK rights toHarry Potterattractions. They tried to find a way round it but couldn’t.”
Additional rides that fans can look forward to in the new theme park are Universal-based IP likeJurassic Park,Back to the Future, and theMinions. Again, according to the source, the rides from these franchises have been designed and the majority of them will be indoor attractions. The exceptions areBack to the Future,Minions, andJurassic Parkroller coasters. A James Bond stunt show will be put together and it will have the same idea asThe Bourne Stuntacular in Florida.
While all of this sounds promising, the source underscored that a lot can change — including theHarry Potterplans — because there is a long way to go until the theme park opens its doors. It is not expected to be up and running until 2031.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Source:BBC
