Universal Great Britain - Speculation & Rumors

[TeaandBiology]

Made an account just to share that informed industry insider... 'alleged rumour' (whatever you want to call it?) is that Harry Potter is expected to eventually make it's way to the UK, albeit based on the upcoming HBO series - a departure from the Warner Bros. IP present at the other parks (and incidentally avoiding the existing exclusivity deal, despite WB owning HBO, but eh; though this won't be until 2035 or later). Similarly Pokémon, Legend of Zelda, and Minecraft have existing licencing agreements with Universal Destinations & Experiences, though no idea in what form said IPs may make their way to this, or other, parks - though I believe this is already basically known?

Ooh, also, they were snubbed Doctor Who; this and other BBC IP was apparently secured by Merlin Entertainment in 2023 after renewing and extending their existing ten year lease - if true, perhaps a sign of healthy competition? Though may just be a rehash of the 'Doctor Who Experience' or similar that closed down a while back, as opposed to anything decently competitive.

 

[AustinT]

Made an account just to share that informed industry insider... 'alleged rumour' (whatever you want to call it?)...

From who? From where? HP eventually making its way to the park a mere few years after it's built, and not based on the beloved movies seems too stupid to be true for multiple reasons.

 

[DanM]

From who? From where? HP eventually making its way to the park a mere few years after it's built, and not based on the beloved movies seems too stupid to be true for multiple reasons.

I agree it’s weird to launch a park and add it a few years later, but I’ve no doubt the tv show will be very popular as well.

 

[Steeb]

The well-informed fan might feel a special attraction to the lesser-known IPs, but what draws in the general public are the big-name brands — especially Harry Potter and Nintendo, like at EPIC. Once they're in the park, drawn by Super Mario and Harry, they might then discover how wonderful the Monsters and HTTYD areas are — but those weren't the initial hook. There's an obvious reason why Universal has implemented Potter in all of its parks (except for Sentosa, although they are including Nintendo) — and, paradoxically, not in GB.

Let's be honest, unless someone says "Yeah they should have bought PA instead" then you will debate this to the death.

We get it, you wanted it in Spain, sorry that isn't happening, but I would expect that Universal knows enough about what they are doing, so trying to argue it's a mistake is a waste of everyone's time and energy.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

I don’t get the arguement about weather. Orlando gets Hurricanes which is significantly more threatening to park structures and attendance than rain/light snow.

 

[tommyhawkins]

Made an account just to share that informed industry insider... 'alleged rumour' (whatever you want to call it?) is that Harry Potter is expected to eventually make it's way to the UK, albeit based on the upcoming HBO series - a departure from the Warner Bros. IP present at the other parks (and incidentally avoiding the existing exclusivity deal, despite WB owning HBO, but eh; though this won't be until 2035 or later). Similarly Pokémon, Legend of Zelda, and Minecraft have existing licencing agreements with Universal Destinations & Experiences, though no idea in what form said IPs may make their way to this, or other, parks - though I believe this is already basically known?

Welcome, but this would involve the series creating whole new worlds that don't exist in any of the existing attractions in Orlando, on the assumption that the TV series is as popular as all the movies, which is a big ask for ANY streaming series that's not a popular procedural like Friends/Greys Anatomy that act as background rewatch shows, since most are the most popular in that short window they are released in how would this be equivalent?

At the point there are Zelda and Pokemon in Orlando they will not be viable options in UK, what was is left from that licensing agreement that doesnt go into Orlando resorts?

 

[AustinT]

I’ve no doubt the tv show will be very popular as well.

You must not be online much then. There is almost nobody who wants this tv show and if you thought other movies or shows have been a lightning rod for negativity, oh you just wait. They aren't doing themselves any favors with some of the casting either.

I really don't think it makes sense to have attractions based on the new version of the franchise while all the other parks are focused on the old one. That just creates confusion, comparisons from park to park, and makes it difficult to advertise HP stuff chain-wide. But I don't think there's any chance for any HP in this park anyway. If the licensing prevents this park from having any HP presence due to the proximity of the studio tour, why would that suddenly no longer be an issue a few years later?

 

[DanM]

You must not be online much then. There is almost nobody who wants this tv show and if you thought other movies or shows have been a lightning rod for negativity, oh you just wait. They aren't doing themselves any favors with some of the casting either.

I really don't think it makes sense to have attractions based on the new version of the franchise while all the other parks are focused on the old one. That just creates confusion, comparisons from park to park, and makes it difficult to advertise HP stuff chain-wide. But I don't think there's any chance for any HP in this park anyway. If the licensing prevents this park from having any HP presence due to the proximity of the studio tour, why would that suddenly no longer be an issue a few years later?

The online world is very different than the real world. It’s also very US focused. I’ve heard very little negativity for the show in the real world. It’s something your average family the world over is going to put on for their kids.

I agree it may look a bit disjointed, but digital imagery can be switched relatively easily and the ride mechanics and settings themselves stay very much the same. I expect, whether anyone likes it or not, the new series will become the theme park media backdrop moving forward and maybe even be substituted on for the old movie series in time.

I recall seeing someone say that the series is for the next generation of kids. It’s only natural that some entitled and frankly childish adults have gripes about their childhood series being redone for tv, which is a better platform than movies to adapt the books anyway.

 

[erider]

I’m from The Netherlands and can’t wait for this park and I am glad it’s coming to the UK. First the language issue is the biggest advantage. I would hate it if they would have to translate these Movie based ip’s to Spanish or French. Second the location close to London is good, there are so many flights and trains going to London. Another point I was thinking of, sure Spain is a big tourist destination but aren’t those usually the tourists looking for a low budget trip and perhaps not the crowd spending 200 euro on a entrance ticket and spend another amount like that on express passes, and spend 400 euro per night or so on a Universal hotel room? I wonder.

 

[TeaandBiology]

Eh, I was reasonably convinced by the source. As for HP, think about it; the original film series will be 30-35+ years old by the time this park gets 'round to incorporating the franchise, if it does. Whatever one's personal opinions, the upcoming TV series is going to massive, and define what Harry Potter means to entire generations. It'll be firmly into the fourth or fifth season by the time groundwork begins, if true, nearing the finale by opening. By contrast, the film series' cast will have aged out to incorporate them into any elements; it's therefore perfectly logical to suspect that's the direction they'll go - using the new cast, art direction etc.

There were old rumours about Game of Thrones / HotD too, though I think they've been quiet for a while (perhaps post-securing LOTR? Who knows... ).

 

[DanM]

Eh, I was reasonably convinced by the source. As for HP, think about it; the original film series will be 30-35+ years old by the time this park gets 'round to incorporating the franchise, if it does. Whatever one's personal opinions, the upcoming TV series is going to massive, and define what Harry Potter means to entire generations. It'll be firmly into the fourth or fifth season by the time groundwork begins, if true, nearing the finale by opening. By contrast, the film series' cast will have aged out to incorporate them into any elements; it's therefore perfectly logical to suspect that's the direction they'll go - using the new cast, art direction etc.

There were old rumours about Game of Thrones / HotD too, though I think they've been quiet for a while (perhaps post-securing LOTR? Who knows... ).

I would absolutely love a 15 plus themed area of GoT, or even a PG rated area. Countless people would turn up for that. But you know it wouldn’t fit the wholesome family friendly brand that Universal represent.

 

[Altonsky]

Welcome! I'm quite new too and everyone has been nice to me so far.

People who think the UK gets nothing but rain should have seen our last few weeks, it's been glorious!

It has! Been 2020 lockdown spring/summer vibes. Expecting to have a really nice summer this year.

 

[tommyhawkins]

Eh, I was reasonably convinced by the source. As for HP, think about it; the original film series will be 30-35+ years old by the time this park gets 'round to incorporating the franchise, if it does. Whatever one's personal opinions, the upcoming TV series is going to massive, and define what Harry Potter means to entire generations. It'll be firmly into the fourth or fifth season by the time groundwork begins, if true, nearing the finale by opening. By contrast, the film series' cast will have aged out to incorporate them into any elements; it's therefore perfectly logical to suspect that's the direction they'll go - using the new cast, art direction etc.

There were old rumours about Game of Thrones / HotD too, though I think they've been quiet for a while (perhaps post-securing LOTR? Who knows... ).

What you've just said assumes that everything in Orlando will have been completely replaced by 2035, that is the only way your source is correct in their statements.

I feel it needs saying again, WB would obviously not allow their IP to be licensed in the UK for the sake of the studio tour and central London retail revenue. But more importantly, Universal will not place any significant presence of popular IPs in USGB that cannibalises any part of the 1Million people who visit Florida every year. They want people to visit BOTH resorts every year, not make a choice.

This is why they're placing IPs that have made MILLIONS at Box office Paddington franchise: $257m in UK, Jurassic World $197M, Sing Franchise $80m etc...

 

[Altonsky]

What you've just said assumes that everything in Orlando will have been completely replaced by 2035, that is the only way your source is correct in their statements.

I feel it needs saying again, WB would obviously not allow their IP to be licensed in the UK for the sake of the studio tour and central London retail revenue. But more importantly, Universal will not place any significant presence of popular IPs in USGB that cannibalises any part of the 1Million people who visit Florida every year. They want people to visit BOTH resorts every year, not make a choice.

This is why they're placing IPs that have made MILLIONS at Box office Paddington franchise: $257m in UK, Jurassic World $197M, Sing Franchise $80m etc...

And I’m completely fine with Universal doing that as long as we aren’t shortchanged and they provide experiences that meet their current benchmark.

If the concept art is relatively accurate to a degree would this be the biggest JW area out of any of their parks so far?

And with the success of the last Twisters movie and with a sequel in the works maybe now would be a good time for a new Twisters ride

 

[Spike101]

I think you only have to look at videos of Epic to see the astonishing amount of detail they've put into that park, I have every confidence they will do that over here as well, the British public used to the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are going to be walking round open mouthed at what they're seeing.

 

[Altonsky]

I think you only have to look at videos of Epic to see the astonishing amount of detail they've put into that park, I have every confidence they will do that over here as well, the British public used to the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are going to be walking round open mouthed at what they're seeing.

I think they will as well, I just don’t want it to be a case of ‘this is what you could have if you travel to Orlando’.

 

[KentNelson]

@KentNelson I get Nintendo and Harry Potter are very popular, but theme parks can be successful without them, right? Theme parks pre-existed both franchises and there will no doubt come a time when something supplants them.

Sure. The surprising thing here is that Universal does have those two super popular IPs, but they’ve chosen not to use them themselves (choosing the only place in Europe where they can’t use them in the case of Potter, and for unknown reasons in the case of Nintendo).

 

[Altonsky]

Sure. The surprising thing here is that Universal does have those two super popular IPs, but they’ve chosen not to use them themselves (choosing the only place in Europe where they can’t use them in the case of Potter, and for unknown reasons in the case of Nintendo).

Maybe they just see doing business in the UK and their aims for the park as more important than one IP even if it is a big IP.

 

[KentNelson]

Regarding the fact that the Harry Potter land in UGB is based on the HBO TV series… it’s a risky bet. It’s like going back to The Lord of the Rings. Imagine if 3 or 4 years ago they had waited to build a LOTR land hoping the Amazon series would be a success—which it wasn’t. If the HBO series fails… well, just look at what happened to Disney with Star Wars. Despite the quality of Rise of the Resistance, Galaxy’s Edge didn’t turn out to be the success they expected, partly because it wasn’t based on the Original Trilogy and because the newer content damaged the Star Wars brand with multiple commercial failures. Just look at the fact that they canceled GE for Paris and Oriental Land didn’t want it for Tokyo.

BTW is there any rumor of what are the reasons they are not goint to use any Nintendo stuff?

 

[tommyhawkins]

Regarding the fact that the Harry Potter land in UGB is based on the HBO TV series… it’s a risky bet. It’s like going back to The Lord of the Rings. Imagine if 3 or 4 years ago they had waited to build a LOTR land hoping the Amazon series would be a success—which it wasn’t. If the HBO series fails… well, just look at what happened to Disney with Star Wars. Despite the quality of Rise of the Resistance, Galaxy’s Edge didn’t turn out to be the success they expected, partly because it wasn’t based on the Original Trilogy and because the newer content damaged the Star Wars brand with multiple commercial failures. Just look at the fact that they canceled GE for Paris and Oriental Land didn’t want it for Tokyo.

BTW is there any rumor of what are the reasons they are not goint to use any Nintendo stuff?

Yes I explained it right here , we not see cloned rides from Florida that exist now or that will exist in the next few years IE Zelda and Pokémon

Post in thread 'Universal Great Britain - Speculation & Rumors'

Apr 15, 2025

Eh, I was reasonably convinced by the source. As for HP, think about it; the original film series will be 30-35+ years old by the time this park gets 'round to incorporating the franchise, if it does. Whatever one's personal opinions, the upcoming TV series is going to massive, and define what Harry Potter means to entire generations. It'll be firmly into the fourth or fifth season by the time groundwork begins, if true, nearing the finale by opening. By contrast, the film series' cast will have aged out to incorporate them into any elements; it's therefore perfectly logical to...

• tommyhawkins