Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[RFRees]

Since their goal is to likely fill out all the existing expansion pads in EU before adding that new portal, they will miss the boat to capitalize on Wicked if they go that route.

What evidence do you have to make this claim?

I'm not asking for an official statement from Universal, just please explain any logic to prove your case.

 

[Myah1220]

Based on the current slate of projects in development at the parks and with the Simpsons contract up in 2028, my mind has it mapped as a Springfield replacement. I could also see them taking out World Expo and MIB as well since that IP is a dead franchise at this point in time.

My guess was that Simpsons was going to be replaced by Pokemon? I fear if it's just Simpsons/Springfield the area is too small for what Oz should be. They need a sprawling landscape for this area enough to fit tall buildings. I feel like it could work if they did take out World Expo area too but like others have mentioned, I think people would riot if MIB closed. I know it's inevitable to close eventually but I feel like they can squeeze out another 10 years of it with refurb.

 

[DOOMBOT]

It is noteworthy just how much Celestial Park already feels like Oz from the new films. I have to wonder if there was any overlap there during development. The specific shades of green and gold; the intentional metallic designs etched into the stone buildings. A sleek but classical future. It's not one-to-one or anything, but again, it's at least of note.

---

Pitch for a Wicked dark ride: SCOOP ride.

You've lost me haha.

"Whalers on the moon"

Reeling me back in!

 

[illumination]

Wicked: For Good has already made 133% of its $165 million budget within the first 48 hours of opening. The film has outperformed the first Wicked movie by making $220 already at the global box office. The future seems clear, any investments into this franchise will pay off big time.

 

[Mike S]

Wicked: For Good has already made 133% of its $165 million budget within the first 48 hours of opening. The film has outperformed the first Wicked movie by making $220 already at the global box office. The future seems clear, any investments into this franchise will pay off big time.

Haven’t seen either movie so my hope is that whatever they do they also incorporate the original MGM Wizard of Oz.

 

[RFRees]

Haven’t seen either movie so my hope is that whatever they do they also incorporate the original MGM Wizard of Oz.

I'd imagine part of what Universal would be trying to do is put a stake in the ground to claim Oz as Universal's... Similar to how Disney has claimed a mountain of other public domain IP.

 

[nikem3]

Everything about the Wicked movie sets scream Epic to me. It almost looks deliberate. Grand, polished, and immersive.

My only problem with Wicked at Epic is that its right next to Paris HP. I know the IPs are wildly different in content, but putting two wizard/witch IPs with some French influence directly next to each other seems like a bad idea. Heck, casual people could probably barely tell the difference between Shiz uniforms and Beauxbatons.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

My only problem with Wicked at Epic is that its right next to Paris HP. I know the IPs are wildly different in content, but putting two wizard/witch IPs with some French influence directly next to each other seems like a bad idea. Heck, casual people could probably barely tell the difference between Shiz uniforms and Beauxbatons.

Which is why i would personally hope it has little to nothing to do with Shiz and instead focus on Munchkinland to Emerald City. I do think the general audience will be able to tell the difference between Ministry's grey brick and Oz's yellow.

In all seriousness, the Emerald City has to be the focal point. The Green is what would make it really POP between that of Ministry and Berk.

 

[RFRees]

Shout-out to @tommyhawkins for a great addition (part 2) to his series focusing on Epic Universe ride capacity. This one focuses in on what could be done about it in the near future, including building out some of those expansion pads.

This is the first time I've seen an outline of the challenges Universal may face when looking to expand SNW. Here I was thinking it would be just a simple add-on.

 

[fryoj]

I'd imagine part of what Universal would be trying to do is put a stake in the ground to claim Oz as Universal's... Similar to how Disney has claimed a mountain of other public domain IP.

I'd say whatever plans they have for a Wicked addition will be on hold until the WB purchase resolves one way or another. If they get WB, that opens up the original movie content to use in the land.

 

[RFRees]

I'd say whatever plans they have for a Wicked addition will be on hold until the WB purchase resolves one way or another. If they get WB, that opens up the original movie content to use in the land.

Other than coloring the slippers ruby, what exactly would they need from WB?

 

[Myah1220]

Which is why i would personally hope it has little to nothing to do with Shiz and instead focus on Munchkinland to Emerald City. I do think the general audience will be able to tell the difference between Ministry's grey brick and Oz's yellow.

In all seriousness, the Emerald City has to be the focal point. The Green is what would make it really POP between that of Ministry and Berk.

I agree more of the focal point should be Emerald City for sure. Epic is built for it. The entrance practically already looks like Emerald City. I think you could make the majority of the land Emerald City and then have smaller sections of Munchkinland and I still think you can/should have Shiz....but again, I think the majority of the land should be Emerald City.

 

[Brian G.]

Other than coloring the slippers ruby, what exactly would they need from WB?

Yeah, not sure. Everything they'd need to make a land work is either owned by them (Wicked) or in the Public Domain (Novel).

 

[Mike S]

Other than coloring the slippers ruby, what exactly would they need from WB?

Would it get them the likenesses of the original actors? I just looked it up and Dorothy’s face is never shown in these movies, leaving it open to respectfully use Judy Garland in the theme parks without it being distracting.

 

[AustinT]

I'd say whatever plans they have for a Wicked addition will be on hold until the WB purchase resolves one way or another. If they get WB, that opens up the original movie content to use in the land.

Simple solution. Have the slippers silver and if the WB purchase does happen, then make them red! The rest of the land and attractions wouldn't need to change at all

 

[Brian G.]

Would it get them the likenesses of the original actors? I just looked it up and Dorothy’s face is never shown in these movies, leaving it open to respectfully use Judy Garland in the theme parks without it being distracting.

It doesn't matter. It would be based on Wicked, meaning it would be based on these iterations of the characters, not the 1939 version. Dorothy not showing her face would make casting much easier, since you wouldn't have to worry about finding lookalikes (if they even want to go that route).

 

[Legacy]

I don’t think Dorothy would even appear in a Wicked land, anyway. She becomes a sizable character in “Out of Oz,” but she’s largely a distraction from the Elphaba and Glinda centerpieces of this particular world. Depending on if Universal’s Emerald City is post-Elphie or set amid the peak propaganda war before Elphie goes missing (which is more interesting, to me), Dorothy should either not be there yet or already be gone.

(I hope the movies continue…)

 

[Mike S]

It doesn't matter. It would be based on Wicked, meaning it would be based on these iterations of the characters, not the 1939 version. Dorothy not showing her face would make casting much easier, since you wouldn't have to worry about finding lookalikes (if they even want to go that route).

I just really miss The Great Movie Ride man and I want any semblance of it back that I can get lol.

 

[Brian G.]

I just really miss The Great Movie Ride man and I want any semblance of it back that I can get lol.

What I'd give to experience "This is Alien..." one more time.

 

[Wicked Salad]

I don’t think Dorothy would even appear in a Wicked land, anyway. She becomes a sizable character in “Out of Oz,” but she’s largely a distraction from the Elphaba and Glinda centerpieces of this particular world. Depending on if Universal’s Emerald City is post-Elphie or set amid the peak propaganda war before Elphie goes missing (which is more interesting, to me), Dorothy should either not be there yet or already be gone.

(I hope the movies continue…)

I think the smartest time to set the land is early Act Two. Yellow Brick Road is complete, but no Dorothy stuff yet just focus on the conflict between Elphaba and the Wizard.