Latest news with #OliverPhelps
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe opens with fireworks, celebrities, economic promise
Universal Orlando's Epic Universe officially opened its gates on Thursday, marking the area's first major U.S. theme park debut in more than two decades. The celebration kicked off at 8 a.m. with a dazzling fireworks display over Celestial Park, the park's central hub. Due to overwhelming demand, Universal opened the park an hour earlier than scheduled to accommodate eager guests. The festivities began the night before with a star-studded blue carpet event. Celebrities, including James and Oliver Phelps, Warwick Davis, and composer Danny Elfman, mingled with fans and shared their excitement about the park's immersive experiences. Epic Universe spans 750 acres and features five immersive lands: Celestial Park: The central hub with gardens, waterways, and the Stardust Racers roller coaster. Super Nintendo World: Featuring attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Donkey Kong's Mine-Cart Madness. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A dragon-themed land with interactive experiences. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Bringing the Fantastic Beasts era to life with the centerpiece ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Dark Universe: A gothic realm honoring Universal's classic monsters with rides like Monsters Unchained. The park's development cost approximately $7 billion and is expected to create over 17,500 new jobs nationwide in its first year. Economists project that Epic Universe will generate around $2 billion for Florida's economy in its inaugural year, including significant contributions to state and local taxes. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Warwick Davis strikes fun pose with a wand as he celebrates the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando
Warwick Davis struck a fun pose as he celebrated the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday. The actor, 55, who played Professor Flitwick, Griphook and a Goblin Bank Teller in the Harry Potter franchise, brandished his wand from the films. He wore a deep blue velvet blazer with smart navy trousers and a black T-shirt for the event. To mark the opening of the fourth theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort, Warwick was joined by his former co-stars Oliver and James Phelps. Oliver and James, who played Fred and George Weasley in the films, walked the blue carpet together. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. During the opening day the most popular ride quickly became Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The new Harry Potter themed section will transport guests from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic, and also features more shops and restaurants. Earlier this year, Warwick left BBC viewers 'absolutely sobbing' when he gave a heartfelt tribute to his late wife during his acceptance speech at the 2025 BAFTAs. The actor was honoured with a BAFTA Fellowship, which recognises those who have made an 'outstanding and exceptional' contribution to the screen. He fought back tears as he accepted the gong and dedicated it to his wife Samantha, who tragically died last year, visibly moving both the star-studded audience and viewers watching at home. Warwick was presented the award by his former Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, while the audience were shown a montage of scenes from his famous projects, interspersed with clips from his fellow stars and family, praising his talents. Taking to the stage to a standing ovation, he began his speech: 'This is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me... and I've been in Star Wars! 'I'm going to keep this short, it's been a long night... short, yes you can laugh.' Warwick went on: 'I'm going to say thank you to my mum, my first agent, she's the reason I am here tonight.' He then thanked all his team who supported him throughout his career and shared the award with them, before amending: 'Sod that. I've done all the work, it's for me! This is all mine.' While he then became emotional as he dedicated the award to his beloved wife, who passed almost one year ago at the age of 53. Warwick said: 'Above all I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago. 'She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.' Samantha - who was herself an actor - had been married to Warwick for 33 years, welcoming three children together, before her devastating death on March 24. Their daughter Annabelle, 27, and son Harrison, 21, were both seen crying in the audience as their dad thanked them helping him get through the tough year.
