Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[AustinT]

What are the exact numbers then?

And how could they be at break even before they've entered a marketing cycle for the second part and spent the money?

Right now the second movie is sitting nearly $320m behind the first one, Zootopia 2 is doing gangbusters and Avatar is less than two weeks away

Glad someone else is bringing up box office. Safe space to talk about it now?
This second movie is dropping like a rock week to week. This kind of drop off usually scares studios away from continuing a franchise (Secret Life of Pets for example, but not quite that much of a sequel falloff) but I feel like they're certainly going to make another Wicked film, when the inevitable land is going to open. It'll be interesting to see if they can maintain the GP's engagement with the brand in the next few years or if this is a sign of Wicked fatigue.

If the Wicked store at USF hangs around, that would also make a nice preview center of sorts if there's a big, flashy Epic expansion coming in the near future.

 

[Frogki]

Glad someone else is bringing up box office. Safe space to talk about it now?
This second movie is dropping like a rock week to week. This kind of drop off usually scares studios away from continuing a franchise (Secret Life of Pets for example, but not quite that much of a sequel falloff) but I feel like they're certainly going to make another Wicked film, when the inevitable land is going to open. It'll be interesting to see if they can maintain the GP's engagement with the brand in the next few years or if this is a sign of Wicked fatigue.

If the Wicked store at USF hangs around, that would also make a nice preview center of sorts if there's a big, flashy Epic expansion coming in the near future.

To reiterate what's been said by myself and others - Universal likely knew Wicked for Good would not have the same kind of reception or numbers as Part 1, because it's story is a dramatic tone shirt.

Wicked Part 1 had a ton of repeat viewings, and the franchise itself is still likely to be pretty strong. There's just a fascination with Oz and that fantasy world somewhere over the rainbow that goes back nearly a century now based on the original books and the original film.

Whether that translates into future success depends on the strength of whatever stories they choose to tell next.
If you give a Wicked land the Potter treatment and avoid setting the place within a specific timeframe but are highly specific about your attractions time and place within the story, you have a recipe for success.

And to be honest, I wouldn't have believed this before last year even as a Wicked fan - but Part 1 was pretty amazing as far as word of mouth and general reception.

 

[Tyc00n96]

Ive been waiting for this lol lots of good stuff in here especially that transportation system

 

[Mad Dog]

Ive been waiting for this lol lots of good stuff in here especially that transportation system

Yes, me too. After seeing all of those mostly empty, except for very early morning and closing, hotel buses every 15 minutes to Epic,
I'm speculating it's costing Universal a small fortune to operate.

 

[belloq87]

Ive been waiting for this lol lots of good stuff in here especially that transportation system

That potential broomstick ride for Wizarding World (tracked, through and above city street sets, with creatures) would be absolutely fantastic. A little Kongfrontation-esque.

 

[Tyc00n96]

Yes, me too. After seeing all of those mostly empty, except for very early morning and closing, hotel buses every 15 minutes to Epic,
I'm speculating it's costing Universal a small fortune to operate.

I am not privy to how much the busses get used on a day to day capacity wise but I look at a long-term transportation system as something to future proof the resort in the eventual case they expand beyond the current amount of parks. Going back to Epic expansions though, it is exciting to see that Potter's permit has an end date on it as well as getting the chance to have two projects begin around the same time (Nintendo),

 

[Frogki]

I am curious about the general distaste for Wicked in the comments section for Alicia, I know that some aren't fans but I just can't understand the insistence that this franchise which has been around for over a decade now and has really ascended further with the first film (even with an admittedly lesser showing for the sequel) is being dismissed as trendy or irrelevant.

Not speaking as a fan of that franchise but as a theme park enthusiast, I see a really great opportunity for a fun and immersive land. And while it's anecdotal, I personally know a significant number of people who would definitely not consider themselves "Broadway" or "musical" folks - and they loved the first one. Defying Gravity strikes an emotional chord with most people.

I strongly believe that a land would be met with pretty high enthusiasm from the general public.
I do see the criticism of "It's not really Oz, it's fanfiction," but I don't see how that's relevant to a themed land. The Emerald City, at the end of the day, will remain that really fun fantasy environment that people want to get lost in.

Highly interested in seeing what ride concept they come up with for brooms, as it's definitely one of the wish fulfilment attractions within that franchise. Also really curious about what ends up replacing F&F, as even the GP seems to recognize that attraction as one of the lesser in Universal's lineup.

 

[Mad Dog]

I am curious about the general distaste for Wicked in the comments section for Alicia, I know that some aren't fans but I just can't understand the insistence that this franchise which has been around for over a decade now and has really ascended further with the first film (even with an admittedly lesser showing for the sequel) is being dismissed as trendy or irrelevant.

Not speaking as a fan of that franchise but as a theme park enthusiast, I see a really great opportunity for a fun and immersive land. And while it's anecdotal, I personally know a significant number of people who would definitely not consider themselves "Broadway" or "musical" folks - and they loved the first one. Defying Gravity strikes an emotional chord with most people.

I strongly believe that a land would be met with pretty high enthusiasm from the general public.
I do see the criticism of "It's not really Oz, it's fanfiction," but I don't see how that's relevant to a themed land. The Emerald City, at the end of the day, will remain that really fun fantasy environment that people want to get lost in.

Highly interested in seeing what ride concept they come up with for brooms, as it's definitely one of the wish fulfilment attractions within that franchise. Also really curious about what ends up replacing F&F, as even the GP seems to recognize that attraction as one of the lesser in Universal's lineup.

The Theme Park hardcore fan community opinions are often very much out of synch with the general public. I generally try to think like the
GP, and the business aspects, instead of as a fan. I rely a lot on my wife's opinions when we go to the parks. She's a blank slate on
what's occurring until the day she shows up....I agree with your evaluations. If the attractions are good, the general public will eat up
a Wicked land.

 

[quinnmac000]

I am curious about the general distaste for Wicked in the comments section for Alicia, I know that some aren't fans but I just can't understand the insistence that this franchise which has been around for over a decade now and has really ascended further with the first film (even with an admittedly lesser showing for the sequel) is being dismissed as trendy or irrelevant.

Not speaking as a fan of that franchise but as a theme park enthusiast, I see a really great opportunity for a fun and immersive land. And while it's anecdotal, I personally know a significant number of people who would definitely not consider themselves "Broadway" or "musical" folks - and they loved the first one. Defying Gravity strikes an emotional chord with most people.

I strongly believe that a land would be met with pretty high enthusiasm from the general public.
I do see the criticism of "It's not really Oz, it's fanfiction," but I don't see how that's relevant to a themed land. The Emerald City, at the end of the day, will remain that really fun fantasy environment that people want to get lost in.

Highly interested in seeing what ride concept they come up with for brooms, as it's definitely one of the wish fulfilment attractions within that franchise. Also really curious about what ends up replacing F&F, as even the GP seems to recognize that attraction as one of the lesser in Universal's lineup.

This is specifically focused towards Orlando and not so much Hollywood, Beijing, and Japan.

It is social issues and the perception of "masculine" vs "feminine" IPs when it comes to UOR. There is a large growing people who need to relate and feel represented in the characters before it can come to the park and there is a population that just can't handle it. Any remotely "feminine" IP gets mentioned for a US park, the hyper masculine theme park audience which is a minority but a vocal one specifically for Universal doesn't want it represented. They don't see themselves in these roles and these characters so they don't want it in the parks.

We would be hearing the same arguments from the same people if Universal made a film that was a blockbuster hit about the Nutcracker and tried to bring it to the parks.

 

[Frogki]

This is specifically focused towards Orlando and not so much Hollywood, Beijing, and Japan.

It is social issues and the perception of "masculine" vs "feminine" IPs when it comes to UOR. There is a large growing people who need to relate and feel represented in the characters before it can come to the park and there is a population that just can't handle it. Any remotely "feminine" IP gets mentioned for a US park, the hyper masculine theme park audience which is a minority but a vocal one specifically for Universal doesn't want it represented. They don't see themselves in these roles and these characters so they don't want it in the parks.

We would be hearing the same arguments from the same people if Universal made a film that was a blockbuster hit about the Nutcracker and tried to bring it to the parks.

I feel naive for not thinking of it from this perspective but it makes so much more sense laid out like that (even if I believe it's a ridiculous line of thinking) thank you for putting it so succinctly.

Here's hoping most people are thrilled by all that Universal adds to the parks in the coming years regardless.

 

[Mad Dog]

Yes....and always realize this forum is probably about 90%, or more, males in their teens and twenties and early thirties.. Certain narratives
are sure to turn up.

 

[Alicia]

Forget the Wicked comments, I’m shocked by all the comments saying building a Pokemon land is a MISTAKE!?

Isn’t that like the most profitable franchise in the world?

I have a feeling these same fans are the ones who only want what they’ve already had before: BttF, Jaws, etc. But we should also consider new audiences.

 

[TheUniC6]

Forget the Wicked comments, I’m shocked by all the comments saying building a Pokemon land is a MISTAKE!?

Isn’t that like the most profitable franchise in the world?

I have a feeling these same fans are the ones who only want what they’ve already had before: BttF, Jaws, etc. But we should also consider new audiences.

Pokemon going to IOA does the IP far better then if it was shoehorned into Springfield. This is a hill I will die on.

 

[Frogki]

Forget the Wicked comments, I’m shocked by all the comments saying building a Pokemon land is a MISTAKE!?

Isn’t that like the most profitable franchise in the world?

I have a feeling these same fans are the ones who only want what they’ve already had before: BttF, Jaws, etc. But we should also consider new audiences.

Valid point and I would have mentioned it if I had seen those comments before responding here, but I agree, saying Pokemon is a mistake is a much higher level of delulu for sure.
When a Pokemon land comes to Universal it will definitely print money.

I agree with your sentiment that some people struggle with the concept of change within the parks. Heck I've heard someone complain about the fact that people get emotional over Hogwarts because and I quote, "It's not real!" Which just floored me as a genuine response to a theme park land getting people emotionally invested...

 

[Mike S]

Pokemon going to IOA does the IP far better then if it was shoehorned into Springfield. This is a hill I will die on.

You’re right that Springfield is too small.

DreamWorks should go with it

 

[TheUniC6]

You’re right that Springfield is too small.

DreamWorks should go with it

If Universal wanted to do the Shrek IP justice, this would be the ideal spot. But something tells me they are sadly fine with sticking with to that play set. Best case scenario is AA is not lumped into the Springfield replacement and that becomes our Shrek dark ride.

 

[Mad Dog]

Personally, I have no like/love for the Pokemon IP. But, I do think, if it has good attractions, that it will do
very well in the LC plot. So, probably will be a win for Universal.

 

[Frogki]

Personally, I have no like/love for the Pokemon IP. But, I do think, if it has good attractions, that it will do
very well in the LC plot. So, probably will be a win for Universal.

I think the fact that it is the number one global merchandise selling franchise speaks for itself as to the potential within a theme park. Kids love it, adults love it, and there are just so many things you can do with it that will make bank.

Themed attractions are just gravy for it as a brand but ultimately it really works well on many levels for themed entertainment. Environment wise, I will say it's not a clear cut brand for locations to bring to life - but there are a ton of options that can work across the history of it.

 

[Mad Dog]

I think the fact that it is the number one global merchandise selling franchise speaks for itself as to the potential within a theme park. Kids love it, adults love it, and there are just so many things you can do with it that will make bank.

Themed attractions are just gravy for it as a brand but ultimately it really works well on many levels for themed entertainment. Environment wise, I will say it's not a clear cut brand for locations to bring to life - but there are a ton of options that can work across the history of it.

Merchandise sales will probably be atmospheric. Thats gold to theme park lands.

 

[Patrokls]

Merchandise sales will probably be atmospheric. Thats gold to theme park lands.

I have very little interest in Pokémon but I can almost guarantee I’d be over there playing with an interactive Poke Ball.