Universal's Epic Universe Wish List & Speculation

[Alicia]

Two things…

1. All of the Lord of the Rings talk…is that still just chatter from last year?

2. Scooby Doo boat ride with Gillman. You know that’s money.

1. Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Sorta.

2. Scooby Doo has so much potential, but has been wasted all around the world. But it deserves its own land, not piggybacking off a fully fleshed out realistic one.

 

[docholiday]

1. Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Sorta.

2. Scooby Doo has so much potential, but has been wasted all around the world. But it deserves its own land, not piggybacking off a fully fleshed out realistic one.

1. In Palpatine voice “Gooooood”.

2. I don’t see it ever getting its own land. I’d settle for a really good dark ride. But it’s a wasted IP. Like DC and Looney Tunes.

 

[mccgavin]

I think we're at the end of Universal licensing IP from others studios for permanent attractions, unless it would be a major draw for the park like Nintendo or Potter. I imagine they want to avoid scenarios like they have now with Marvel and Simpsons, where the IP is owned by a competitor and/or is difficult to renew.

 

[Alicia]

I think we're at the end of Universal licensing IP from others studios for permanent attractions, unless it would be a major draw for the park like Nintendo or Potter. I imagine they want to avoid scenarios like they have now with Marvel and Simpsons, where the IP is owned by a competitor and/or is difficult to renew.

We can hardly say we're at the end, when they're going all in with Nintendo, and starting with the Pokemon Company. Nintendo is a Potter level deal across nearly all resorts, and they're just getting started.

As much as there was/is a push to utilize in house IP like DreamWorks across the parks division, they've definitely not given up on licensing either, and I bet we see more outside properties brought on in the coming decade.

 

[Casper Gutman]

So… Variety is reporting that there is a widespread belief on the Warner lot that the film division will be sold to Uni within the next two years. That would certainly reframe the LOTR issue and start a lot of speculation on the fourth park… among other things.

 

[mccgavin]

We can hardly say we're at the end, when they're going all in with Nintendo, and starting with the Pokemon Company. Nintendo is a Potter level deal across nearly all resorts, and they're just getting started.

As much as there was/is a push to utilize in house IP like DreamWorks across the parks division, they've definitely not given up on licensing either, and I bet we see more outside properties brought on in the coming decade.

I guess I should clarify. Obviously Universal is not done licensing IP, but I think they are going to be a lot more selective than they were previously. Major IPs like Pokemon, Potter, and Nintendo will draw significant crowds to the park. I don't feel things like Scooby-Doo and SpongeBob, that get brought up a lot, have much of chance getting permanent attractions in the park beyond what they have now.

 

[Clive]

I guess I should clarify. Obviously Universal is not done licensing IP, but I think they are going to be a lot more selective than they were previously. Major IPs like Pokemon, Potter, and Nintendo will draw significant crowds to the park. I don't feel things like Scooby-Doo and SpongeBob, that get brought up a lot, have much of chance getting permanent attractions in the park beyond what they have now.

I don't see either of the IPs you mentioned getting full-blown attractions, but it's worth noting that Scooby-Doo and the gang are some of the top-rated characters at both domestic Universal locations. There's a reason they literally pay to keep them around, even in only this small capacity. (They also both move merch even without dedicated attractions, which is a pretty staggering achievement unto itself.)

 

[docholiday]

WB is a treasure trove of IP abused by Zaslov. I’m usually not for acquisition (hated Disney getting Fox) because many lose their jobs and we usually get less art as a result but WB is having a rough go of it.

From a theme park perspective just look what WB owns. I guess you cant use any of the Six Flags stuff but other things like Scooby.

 

[Alicia]

I guess I should clarify. Obviously Universal is not done licensing IP, but I think they are going to be a lot more selective than they were previously. Major IPs like Pokemon, Potter, and Nintendo will draw significant crowds to the park. I don't feel things like Scooby-Doo and SpongeBob, that get brought up a lot, have much of chance getting permanent attractions in the park beyond what they have now.

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[docholiday]

yousureaboutthat.gif

Mad Max stunt show?

 

[Mad Dog]

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Sure sounds like you know something.

 

[OLSinFLA]

So… Variety is reporting that there is a widespread belief on the Warner lot that the film division will be sold to Uni within the next two years. That would certainly reframe the LOTR issue and start a lot of speculation on the fourth park… among other things.

Warner licensed film rights only. Theme parks have to be negotiated with the LoTR owners. (Not sure who owns the film rights - it was Saul Zaentz company at the time)

 

[TheUniC6]

WB is a treasure trove of IP abused by Zaslov. I’m usually not for acquisition (hated Disney getting Fox) because many lose their jobs and we usually get less art as a result but WB is having a rough go of it.

From a theme park perspective just look what WB owns. I guess you cant use any of the Six Flags stuff but other things like Scooby.

Maybe they could cut some sort of deal with Six Flags to get the DC and Looney Tunes rights. Or in the case of DC find some sort of loophole in the contract so Universal can use DC in the parks. Am sure they would do a better job handling the IP than Disney has done with Marvel.

 

[docholiday]

Warner licensed film rights only. Theme parks have to be negotiated with the LoTR owners. (Not sure who owns the film rights - it was Saul Zaentz company at the time)

I think it’s like “Middle Earth Inc” or something.

 

[Clive]

Guys, I think the Warner Bros. stuff is too far out - and too up in the air - to be worth discussing in the context of Epic Universe discussion. Let's move on.

 

[DodgsonHere]

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Edit: In all seriousness I must know more

 

[Loki]

Scooby Doo maybe a little old for the current youngster audience. I am not sure what "current" is but I haven't looked on Nickelodean (Nick | Kids Shows | Full Episodes & Video Clips) in forever. Maybe an expanded Transformers land or something TMNT

 

[Legacy]

Scooby Doo maybe a little old for the current youngster audience. I am not sure what "current" is but I haven't looked on Nickelodean (Nick | Kids Shows | Full Episodes & Video Clips) in forever. Maybe an expanded Transformers land or something TMNT

Scooby gets a reboot every 8-10 years or so, so he’s constantly getting reintroduced to kids. Scooby Doo and Guess Who just finished a 52 episode run on Max/Boomerang.

 

[DodgsonHere]

Scooby Doo maybe a little old for the current youngster audience. I am not sure what "current" is but I haven't looked on Nickelodean (Nick | Kids Shows | Full Episodes & Video Clips) in forever. Maybe an expanded Transformers land or something TMNT

Scooby gets a reboot every 8-10 years or so, so he’s constantly getting reintroduced to kids. Scooby Doo and Guess Who just finished a 52 episode run on Max/Boomerang.

It’s a really tough comparison. Scooby Doo has existed in a variety of formats and shows for a very long time, almost like how superheroes appear in different forms of media and are reinvented often. Spongebob on the other hand has had a single show and one movie for most of it’s lifespan, with a few more movies and spin off shows appearing more recently. It’s very tough to say which would have a broader appeal in a theme park, but personally I think I’d have to say Scooby probably has a broader and more generational appeal, while Spongebob is more hyper-popular with a smaller range of age groups. Both the properties have been extremely successful and I think both would lend themselves well to a dedicated attraction or even land.

Edit: Kind of funny to me how both these properties existed within a broader IP attraction within the same building, and are now both relegated to meet and greets and merchandise.

 

[Loki]

I realize Scooby has appeal, that's why they have them in a variety of other parks. But that is also the rub, I want something unique for either Epic or wherever they start placing more IPs.

Kid: "Mom, let's go get pictures with Scooby Doo!"

Mom: "We have Scooby Doo at home"