Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025

[Gusey]

I'm surprised it doesn't mention that Epic Universe is a brand new park opening this year. It just says "4 parks" and for those that haven't been or doesn't know, it may not resonate that they are opening a brand new park.

(What surprised me more is that they didn't take out an ad during the Macy's Thanksgiving parade...and it was just a passing mention by Al Roker). Black Friday is a big shopping day (with Cyber Monday following) and it would've been a great time to show it off to those ready to spend some money on the holiday gifts. "Let's take the kids to Universal next year as their Christmas gift!"

I was under the impression that this was a teaser, and the fuller Epic Universe commercial is airing during the Super Bowl?

 

[rd805]

Also, what is this rumor I am hearing of permits being filed to build a ‘Wicked’ / Oz themed land expansion?
I have heard nothing about this until now, and i have doubts this is happening….but wanted to mention it to see if anyone here has heard any rumblings.

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I think an Oz land would be an amazing IP to incorporate; although, i see more of this happening as a possible Wicked ride using the long-lost Harry Potter broomstick VR, Uni Orlando park -- new IP to revive that project. Could be neat!

 

[Figments Friend]

Not sure if the ‘Wicked’ IP would be evergreen enough in the public’s mind to warrant a full blown land, but the prospect of having some type of Oz experience would indeed be timeless.

Let us see how the second ‘Wicked’ film does….

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[lazyboy97o]

Not sure if the ‘Wicked’ IP would be evergreen enough in the public’s mind to warrant a full blown land, but the prospect of having some type of Oz experience would indeed be timeless.

Let us see how the second ‘Wicked’ film does….

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Oz not having a major theme park presence is not for lack of trying. Nobody’s quite cracked the nut. Disney took a swing at it. Thinkwell took a swing at it. Landmark took a swing at it. Most everyone seems to have worked up some sort of Oz project at one time or another. Wicked wouldn’t even be Universal’s first Oz land.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Oz not having a major theme park presence is not for lack of trying. Nobody’s quite cracked the nut. Disney took a swing at it. Thinkwell took a swing at it. Landmark took a swing at it. Most everyone seems to have worked up some sort of Oz project at one time or another. Wicked wouldn’t even be Universal’s first Oz land.

Things I don't know but maybe you do...

While the original books are public domain, and thus, anyone can make a themed park or land out of them...

Who owns theme parks rights to the MGM 1939 film version. Seems the MGM Grand Hotel gave up on it.

Who owns the theme parks rights to Wicked... either the book, the play, or the movie?

 

[Gusey]

Things I don't know but maybe you do...

While the original books are public domain, and thus, anyone can make a themed park or land out of them...

Who owns theme parks rights to the MGM 1939 film version. Seems the MGM Grand Hotel gave up on it.

Who owns the theme parks rights to Wicked... either the book, the play, or the movie?

I think Warner Brothers own the MGM 1939 film version parks rights. Warner Brother Movie World in Australia opened a Wizard of Oz precinct with 2 roller coasters in December 2024.

I think Universal owns the theme park rights to Wicked still. They had a Wicked land at Universal Studios Japan from 2006-2011, and now the Wicked shop with movie props at Universal Studios Florida