Fast & Furious: Supercharged - General Discussion

[OrlLover]

I'm quite certain BTTF (and JAWS) sell more stuff that several of the IPs represented in the park.

According to who ?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

somehow, someway, even without the internet, these became staples of my childhood.

It’s not a mystery: TV syndication

I literally walked out at intermission. And having just (tried to) watch the National Tour last weekend, the response to it was largely muted. And that’s compared to a similar crowd I saw at Beetlejuice a month ago. And I’m in middle America.

The show already closed on Broadway (can’t find if it recouped). West End is still running but it’s a recognizable IP and a spectacle show. Launching new productions back-to-back (especially a cruise line version) doesn’t speak to that adaptation of the IP. It speaks to the production company trying to squeeze what it can while it can.

It didn’t recoup. And to add on: lots of BAD shows run for a long time in unconventional theater spaces (looking at you Tina).

 

[rabbitsmoon]

i know there have been new monster adaptations but the monsters walking around in epic right now are from the 1930s…. i think universal is proving that if it’s in house and important to the company, it’s on the table.

Yeah, folks need to reframe how they think about IP implementation in the parks. We’re in a multimedia environment that’s increasingly diffuse, so we can’t keep talking about recent box office as if that’s the only important factor.

To Comcast, there’s value added to their sub-brands when they to put those properties in the parks. Dark Universe and Berk will be great for the public’s perception of those IPs regardless of how the films do.

Movie revenue ain’t what it used to be, and parks are a huge, reliable moneymakers. An attraction can be what makes the property relevant.

 

[belloq87]

According to who ?

According to me, looking at what Universal chooses to offer in their merchandise lines.

Simple logic alone covers Bourne and MIB, as there's very little branded merch offered for either. You can't sell what you don't offer.

From there, do you really think branded "Race Through New York" and F&F merchandise sells better than BTTF stuff? I very much doubt it.

Universal would not keep devoting shelf space in multiple venues across USF and CityWalk if the retro properties didn't move merch. They'd be perfectly happy giving that square footage over to more Minions stuff if the classic stuff wasn't selling.

 

[AustinT]

I don’t understand why anyone here would think a re-theme is even remotely on the table.

I agree. I doubt there's a chance they take one of their most hated attractions of all time and re-theme it to something else. They know the problem is more so the ride system and quality of the ride than the current F&F IP it has. They know better than to do that. If UGB (USGB? What are we calling it?) is getting a BTTF E-ticket coaster like the current concept art shows, I'm sure there's several show scenes and elements that could be duplicated and shoved into both attractions despite the ride system here not being a coaster.

 

[MartyMcFly]

I literally walked out at intermission. And having just (tried to) watch the National Tour last weekend, the response to it was largely muted. And that’s compared to a similar crowd I saw at Beetlejuice a month ago. And I’m in middle America.

The show already closed on Broadway (can’t find if it recouped). West End is still running but it’s a recognizable IP and a spectacle show. Launching new productions back-to-back (especially a cruise line version) doesn’t speak to that adaptation of the IP. It speaks to the production company trying to squeeze what it can while it can.

So you didn’t even watch the full thing? That kind of confident, matter of fact dismissal despite not seeing it through is surprising coming from you.

The second half is definitely stronger. It’s been well received, had a healthy run in a big theatre( winter garden), and continues to perform in the West End, though the US tour probably cannibalised the Broadway momentum.

Also, it’s touring regionally and will likely show up in schools soon. What do you think that indicates? Surely you can read between the lines.

As for your second paragraph, fair point. But if it didn’t drive ticket sales, it wouldn’t get licensed. Simple as that.

I genuinely struggle to understand the perspective that Back to the Future isn’t a cultural phenomenon with generational staying power. Whether or not new films, theatre, or rides get made, it will continue to resonate.

 

[Disneyhead]

Well, it looks like USGB is getting an entire BttF land, so Universal seems confident in the IP.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

From there, do you really think branded "Race Through New York" and F&F merchandise sells better than BTTF stuff? I very much doubt it.

I could MAYBE see F&F merch selling more than BTTF, but definitely Race Through New York.

 

[Mad Dog]

Well, it looks like USGB is getting an entire BttF land, so Universal seems confident in the IP.

Always cheaper to build two attractions that are the same system for an IP then building two completely separate attractions for the same IP. Maybe a twofer then. Two BTTF attractions, one in USF and a second later build in the UK.

 

[Tyc00n96]

Always cheaper to build two attractions that are the same system for an IP then building two completely separate attractions for the same IP. Maybe a twofer then. Two BTTF attractions, one in USF and a second later build in the UK.

Well, I doubt we get a coaster like the one depicted in the UK (or one at all tbh). Maybe if that rumored "no orlando clones" rule is in place, we get to share some IPs just not the exact ride/ ride system.

 

[rabbitsmoon]

I wonder if this is being developed in conjunction with a new Tram Tour finale. If that's the case, I think the likelihood that they keep some elements of Supercharged grows.

Maybe then USF and USH basically share the same attraction, while USF and USGB share certain thematic elements from the queue and land, but not the same ride.

 

[belloq87]

Always cheaper to build two attractions that are the same system for an IP then building two completely separate attractions for the same IP. Maybe a twofer then. Two BTTF attractions, one in USF and a second later build in the UK.

I thought there was a dictate that USGB not have any "clones" with USF?

That doesn't necessarily mean there couldn't be some shared elements to save development/manufacturing costs, I would hope (Clocktower facade exteriors, things of that nature).

 

[Disneyhead]

I wonder if this is being developed in conjunction with a new Tram Tour finale. If that's the case, I think the likelihood that they keep some elements of Supercharged grows.

Maybe then USF and USH basically share the same attraction, while USF and USGB share certain thematic elements from the queue and land, but not the same ride.

Yes.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Starting to pull together a timeline.

Rip Ride Rockit closes Q3'25, replacement opens Q2'27 (2.0 Year build ala Hagrid's)
F&F (assuming a quick retheme) closes Q1 2026, reopens Q2 or Q3'27.

Simpsons begins a phased closure with the attraction closing Q1'27, the land in Q1'28 (when contract is rumored to end), replacement opens Q2'29. (Assumes a 2.5 year build for the ride, 1.5 years for the land proper.

2027 is a big year with a new coaster and reskinned ride. 2028 is a gap year, maybe IOA's year.

*I'm assuming Universal keeps the Simpsons contract alive through the end of 2027. I wish we can get Pokemon sooner, park needs it, but this is a more realistic timeline.

I wonder if this is being developed in conjunction with a new Tram Tour finale. If that's the case, I think the likelihood that they keep some elements of Supercharged grows.

Maybe then USF and USH basically share the same attraction, and USF and USGB share certain thematic elements from the queue and land, but get the new park gets a different ride.

This is what I'm leaning towards. A shared project between USH & USF, with USF sharing land details with UGB. Britain gets a coaster, the domestic parks get a FF reskin.

 

[HHN Maddux]

Starting to pull together a timeline.

Rip Ride Rockit closes Q3'25, replacement opens Q2'27 (2.0 Year build ala Hagrid's)
F&F (assuming a quick retheme) closes Q1 2026, reopens Q2 or Q3'27.

Simpsons begins a phased closure with the attraction closing Q1'27, the land in Q1'28 (when contract is rumored to end), replacement opens Q2'29. (Assumes a 2.5 year build for the ride, 1.5 years for the land proper.

2027 is a big year with a new coaster and reskinned ride. 2028 is a gap year, maybe IOA's year.

*I'm assuming Universal keeps the Simpsons contract alive through the end of 2027. I wish we can get Pokemon sooner, park needs it, but this is a more realistic timeline.


This is what I'm leaning towards. A shared project between USH & USF, with USF sharing land details with UGB. Britain gets a coaster, the domestic parks get a FF reskin.

2028 sees Wicked take over TLC methinks, but we are drifting (pun intended) a bit from Supercharged.

 

[Wesker69]

I'm still think it's going to be a Ms. Frizzle's Magic School Bus retheme. A magical trip up someone's nose.

BODY WARS LIVES!!!

 

[belloq87]

I wonder if this is being developed in conjunction with a new Tram Tour finale. If that's the case, I think the likelihood that they keep some elements of Supercharged grows.

Maybe then USF and USH basically share the same attraction, while USF and USGB share certain thematic elements from the queue and land, but not the same ride.

This is what I'm leaning towards. A shared project between USH & USF, with USF sharing land details with UGB. Britain gets a coaster, the domestic parks get a FF reskin.

I believe @Brian G. has said he has heard what the (rumored) Studio Tour Supercharged replacement is, and it isn't BACK TO THE FUTURE.

But I'm enjoying the speculation, anyway. It's been a long time since there's been a USF rumor (with some actual heat) that made me happy to think about!

 

[Tereglith]

The discussion a few pages back about Supercharged being one of the largest show buildings in the resort is blowing my mind. I guess I knew it was big just from looking at it but I'd never put together HOW big. The ride experience feels like it's two short tunnels! Does anyone have an image of the internal layout that explains where all that space is going?

All I can find on google is this layout for the Hollywood version which is basically how I imagined the layout (minus the Kuka arm cars). Is the rest of the building just a return path for the party buses?

 

[Clive]

So you didn’t even watch the full thing? That kind of confident, matter of fact dismissal despite not seeing it through is surprising coming from you.

The second half is definitely stronger. It’s been well received, had a healthy run in a big theatre( winter garden), and continues to perform in the West End, though the US tour probably cannibalised the Broadway momentum.

Also, it’s touring regionally and will likely show up in schools soon. What do you think that indicates? Surely you can read between the lines.

As for your second paragraph, fair point. But if it didn’t drive ticket sales, it wouldn’t get licensed. Simple as that.

I genuinely struggle to understand the perspective that Back to the Future isn’t a cultural phenomenon with generational staying power. Whether or not new films, theatre, or rides get made, it will continue to resonate.

Two things can be true: Back to the Future has proven itself to be an evergreen, bankable IP with cross-generational appeal, and the Broadway musical adaptation is not very good. There's a reason the musical drew audiences and did as well as it did -- built-in love for the IP.

However, the lackluster execution did not drive a whole lot of repeat business or word-of-mouth buzz, resulting in dwindling audiences and ultimately the show's closure in NYC. Remember, too, that Legacy saw the touring version, which is significantly less visually impressive than what was shown in the Winter Garden.

Other productions are popping up in other territories to help the production recoup (this is a common tactic for a show with deep-pocketed producers that does well but not well enough), with the bet being that it's a tourist-friendly spectacle that can soak up enough audiences to justify the additional swings.

 

[themeparkshark]

i’ve been trying to big brain this today and i think i just put some things together. what do you guys think.

uk is 2015. that’s why you see the coaster. the old universal concept art with the coaster was 2015 so it seems like they are doubling down and doing that concept art.

here is 1985 that’s why the ride is different yet the land looks the same. it’s the same place, just a different point in time.

also for fun, twister is in the old concept art. with twisters being back in the box office and another one on the way still, will they go all in on that concept art and also do twister? what a treat that would be.