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AUGUST 18, 2003 at 1:05 PM
Posted by GRAE
Source: Jim Hill media via The Leaky Cauldron
As we reported earlier, AOL Time Warner has claimed that they own the rights to any possible Harry Potter theme-park attractions. But is this really the case? According to Jim Hill media, it may or may not be
.
The show proposal that Universal Creative put together was reportedly a special effects filled extravaganza, loosely modeled after that theme park's "Wild Wild West" stunt show. This meant that the arena would have been loaded up with practical effects. Cauldrons that would suddenly bubble and smoke, brooms that could actually fly around, etc.
But the real highlight of this proposed "Harry Potter" themed show would have supposedly been the show's finale. Where Harry, Ron and Hermoine found themselves face to face with Lord Voldemort.
Sometime during this magical duel, Potter was going to get the upper hand in this effects filled battle. And -- with a wave of Harry's wand -- Voldemort would burst into flames. Fully engulfed in fire, the dark wizard was to have writhed in agony and screamed curses as Potter and his pals as Voldemort slowly sank from sight.
So that sounds like a pretty good new show for the Universal theme parks, doesn't it? Well, it's just too bad that Universal Creative never actually got the opportunity to present their proposal to J.K. Rowling. Why for? Because -- when they approached Rowling's reps to set up a meeting -- Universal was reportedly told "Thanks but no thanks. We've already awarded the theme park rights to someone else."
Now Universal executives -- Bob Gault included -- have always assumed that the "someone else" that J.K. Rowling's representatives were talking about must have been the Walt Disney Company. Which -- given that Universal and Disney are in almost constant competition these days for supremacy in the theme park arena -- that just makes sense.
Anyway ... even if Disney really does have the theme park rights for the Harry Potter characters all "wrapped up," the smart money is on Mickey sitting on these rights for a while. For a couple of years, anyway. At least until J.K. Rowling finally finishes up telling her epic tale (and what a sad day THAT's going to be for those of us who have loved reading and/or listening to the "Harry Potter" books. I'm really not ready to leave Hogwarts just yet. Are you?)
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Auror
Points: 2229
Ms.MikhailBlack says:
I would die. I would want to be a tester for the ride.
Posted Aug 22, 2003 at 12:29 AM EST
Points: 200
Brittany says:
Harry Potter seems more fit for Universal Studios than Disney, I think. Disney movies are much different than Harry Potter movies. But, I hope, if Disney did get the rights, that they stick to the book and make a fun area devoted to Harry. It'd be kinda cool to go to Disney Land and enter "Howarts Castle" and have like flying broom rides, and watch clips from the movie or something. I know thats not what there talking about, but it would probably be really cool. If they really do make a show, they cant just make it up, they have to follow the book, or people will be really dissapointed.
Posted Aug 22, 2003 at 1:36 AM EST
Witch
Points: 684
Malakite says:
I'd go to a Harry Potter theme park :)
Posted Sep 18, 2003 at 10:04 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1155
AFawkes05 says:
isn't a theme park kinda overdoing it? it just seems kinda weird that someone would sell out like that. Tell me it isn't true.
Posted Nov 19, 2003 at 5:45 PM EST
Mediwitch
Points: 2608
nickyole1 says:
I will never be able to leave the Harry Potter universe, even after Book 7, because I will want to know what happens next. I am not so sure about this attraction thing.
Posted Jul 27, 2004 at 12:35 PM EST
Student
Points: 227
ObsessedFan says:
I think it would sort of fun to go to a Harry Potter theme park. (watch voldemort being fakely blown up) When book 7 comes out, I'm going to read it as slow as possible. But by that time, I think I'll be ready to leave (as in not cry too hard about it).
Posted Jan 1, 2005 at 12:10 PM EST
Student
Points: 226
Yanela says:
I think is a great idea to have a Harry Potter attraction
at Universal. I would love that. I really hope they do it.
Posted Mar 15, 2006 at 11:00 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1433
Vampire Slumber Party says:
If it does happen for Disney, they better let Disneyland have the ride too not just Disneyworld. I live just a little over an hour away from Disneyland. It would be fun getting to ride a Harry Potter themed attraction.
Posted Oct 20, 2006 at 9:26 PM EST
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