Latest news with #TheWizardingWorld
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harry Potter's Oliver And James Phelps Just Weighed In On Other Actors Taking Over The Roles Of Fred And George Weasley In The TV Show
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Harry Potter movies are incredibly popular for those with a Max subscription even years and years after the movies first came out. More than a decade after the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, new windows are opening in the Wizarding World in the form of an upcoming Harry Potter HBO series and a new theme park at Epic Universe. Oliver and James Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley in the OG movies, opened the theme park, then weighed in on what it's like for newbies to be coming in and taking over their roles. The Harry Potter TV show is expected to be different from the movies that started it all, not only for being a more 'faithful' adaptation to the literature, but also because new actors are filling the roles. James Phelps spoke to THR at Universal Epic Universe's grand opening celebration of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic about how much of an influence he and his twin brother, Oliver, would have on the new series and the new Fred and George actors: I haven't really thought about it because it's just something other guys are going to do and it's only fair to whoever's doing it to give them their own space to do it. But I'm here if [the TV iterations of Fred and George] ever wanted anything to chat about — not just the acting but the external sides of it, and living with the fanbase as well. I respect Oliver and James Phelps a lot for that. The two already had a very important job from 2001-2011 to portray the menacing Weasley Twins for the first time for previous generations and they are clearly still involved with the fandom. I love how they're also open to help passing the torch to the next generation and even giving their input if asked! It's hard to believe it's been over a decade since James and Oliver Phelps played our favorite ginger wizard twins. However, many of the original cast members still have a big role in The Wizarding World. They've participated in events located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, reunited for HBO Max's 20th Anniversary special, and even went back to the original sets to film Wizards of Baking. Oliver Phelps offered some sage advice to the future actors of Fred and George Weasley that will come in handy in continuing their legacy: That's something we were lucky enough to be able to come along with. But yeah, hopefully, these guys who go play Fred and George understand that they should enjoy it. Enjoy these characters because they are fun guys to play. And as James said, if everyone is chuffed and saying, 'What's this like? What's that like?' Yeah, we'd always be a help. Sure, the duo may not have gotten enough movie screentime, but there's no doubt Fred and George must have been fun roles to play. The Weasley Twins had a dynamic partnership, pulling pranks on their classmates and turned their antics into a business with their joke shop: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Plus, you can't forget about the single coolest thing the Potter characters did when they made a mockery of Professor Umbridge's control and disrupted testing in Order of the Phoenix. I can't wait to see that scene reimagined in the TV series. I'm glad the twin actors are still hanging out and willing to offer their two cents to the series and the future actors of Fred and George if needed. After all, who better to ask than the actors who first brought the magical characters to life? The Harry Potter series is expected to come to Max in 2026.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Universal's new Epic Universe park challenges Disney in Florida
HighlightsComcast's $7 billion investment in the Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort aims to compete directly with Walt Disney World, which has historically dominated the Orlando theme park scene since 1971. Analysts predict that the Epic Universe could attract 9.5 million visitors by 2026, potentially siphoning off around 1 million guests from Walt Disney World over the next two years. Disney is responding to the competitive threat by investing $60 billion over the next decade to enhance its parks and cruise businesses, while also offering promotions like half-price tickets for children to maintain visitor interest. For decades, Universal Orlando Resort was a pit stop on a vacationer's way to the "Most Magical Place on Earth," Walt Disney World . Now, NBCUniversal owner Comcast aims to rewrite the travel itinerary with Epic Universe , a major new theme park in Central Florida set to open on Thursday. An estimated $7 billion investment has doubled the resort's size, adding 750 acres and populating it with familiar movie and game characters, which it owns or licenses. It features five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk; Celestial Park; and Dark Universe. Epic Universe represents the largest investment Comcast has made in Universal's theme parks since gaining control of the business in 2011. Analysts say it poses a heightened competitive threat to Walt Disney World, whose last major expansion was in 2019. "This is the one part of the media ecosystem that is not vulnerable to screen-shifting. It's still beloved as a thing to do with friends and family," Comcast President Mike Cavanaugh told Reuters on Tuesday. "It would be silly not to be stepping on the gas." Comcast's big investment in parks is one of six areas that will contribute to growth. The Experiences group is experimenting with new concepts, including the August launch of a permanent attraction in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed. It includes four haunted houses inspired by movies like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "The Exorcist: Believer." A family-friendly regional park, Universal Kids Resort, debuts next year in Frisco, Texas, inspired by "Shrek," "Minions" and SpongeBob SquarePants. "One of our key pillars of growth is how we bring the Universal brand to new audiences in new markets," Mark Woodbury, chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in an interview. "And you can see that in our Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, for our horror genre venue in Las Vegas." Universal also has another major theme park resort planned for the United Kingdom, Comcast's first in Europe. The theme park business is not without risk. It's vulnerable to economic downturns - something the industry experienced during the COVID-19 epidemic. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said he is comfortable making long-term, capital-intensive bets. "When you find something extraordinary, that's when you make these bets," said Roberts, citing the example of the first Harry Potter themed land in Orlando. "When that Harry Potter opened, I think there was a massive increase in attendance the next day, and it never went backwards." WINNING STREAK Disney has dominated the Orlando scene since Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. In 2023, Walt Disney World attracted 48.8 million visitors, more than double Universal's attendance of 19.8 million that year, according to a report from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM. Epic could "siphon off at least some of the demand," MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett wrote in an investor report about Epic Universe's potential impact on Disney. Moffett predicts Epic Universe could attract 9.5 million visitors in 2026, and bring in more than $1.3 billion in revenue. Some of those gains will come at the expense of other parks, including Disney's, which Moffett estimates could lose 1 million guests over the next two years. In time, it could draw 13 million visitors a year, more than either of its sister parks, he estimates. "In the long run, I think it makes Orlando an even more attractive vacation destination," said TD Cowen analyst Doug Creutz. "That's probably good for Disney." Universal's theme park business has been rooted in its movie-making from its earliest days offering studio tours a century ago. When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it promoted the park as offering the chance to "ride the movies." The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter marked a watershed moment for Universal's Orlando resort, helping to fuel attendance with an experience that faithfully recreated the Warner Bros movies. A second Potter-themed attraction, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, opened in 2014. Ever since Universal tapped in to J.K. Rowling's fantasy world, Moffett said it has been "on an asterisk-free winning streak." Ahead of the Epic Universe launch, Disney has reassured investors about its theme parks business Disney told investors that bookings at Walt Disney World remain strong over the next two fiscal quarters. It has been making steady improvements to its Florida resort to keep the experience fresh for visitors, including adding the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind spinning roller coaster at Epcot in 2022, and the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom in 2023. It plans to spend $60 billion over a decade to "turbocharge" growth in its parks and cruise businesses. In April, Disney began offering half-price tickets for children ages three to nine this summer, and cut by half the downpayment Florida residents make to purchase annual passes.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
When does Epic Universe open in Florida?
The Brief Epic Universe will open this week in Orlando, Florida. It is the first major theme park opening in Orlando in nearly 27 years. Epic Universe is expected to draw millions of additional visitors to Orlando annually, boosting local businesses and employment. ORLANDO, Fla. - Epic Universe, the highly anticipated new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, officially opens Thursday, May 22! What we know Epic Universe is the fourth theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, which includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. It's located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando, which is nearly four miles away from its sister parks. Universal said this new theme park will "transport guests to expansive, vivid worlds filled with awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, hotels, dining and more." There are five different "worlds" featured in the park: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Super Nintendo World How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Dark Universe Celestial Park The worlds are all connected through Celestial Park, which is the first world guests will encounter when they step into Epic Universe through the Emerald Gate and Chronos device. RELATED | Epic Universe: Complete guide for rides, food, tickets and more What we know Those who wish to purchase Epic Universe tickets can click here. Tickets in June, July and August will range anywhere from $164 to $189 per person, per day, with the average ticket price around $175. The "starting at" price for single-day tickets is $139. However, this only covers a few weekdays in early September. The highest single-day ticket price is $199 during the holiday season. Single-day tickets for Epic Universe will be available starting June 1, Universal Orlando officials say. The backstory Epic Universe marks the first major theme park opening in Orlando in nearly 27 years. The announcement and construction have stirred excitement across the tourism industry, with Universal aiming to expand its footprint and compete further with Walt Disney World. The opening of the new park also reflects Universal's long-term investment in themed entertainment and immersive storytelling, capitalizing on beloved franchises and cutting-edge technology. Big picture view The economic and tourism implications are also significant. Epic Universe is expected to draw millions of additional visitors to Orlando annually, boosting local businesses and employment. However, its success may hinge partly on how well the park handles weather-related logistics during its high-stakes launch. Despite limited shelter in some areas, fans are already planning their visits, with some hoping Universal will expand on covered spaces or offer recommendations for wet weather touring — just as Disney guests have traditionally ducked into indoor rides like Pirates of the Caribbean or The Haunted Mansion during sudden downpours. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Universal Orlando Resort.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe: Fans Get A Look Inside Universal Orlando Resort's Ambitious New Park
Universal Orlando Resort recently invited a group of fans and theme park social media types for a live-action preview of its long-awaited Epic Universe expansion. While it seems many were whisked to Orlando junket-style and that may limit impartiality, the reactions are uniformly rapturous. One fan posits that 'Epic Universe may be the best theme park in the world.' Another predicts 'it's going to change the theme park landscape globally – it's that good.' Still another says it changed their idea about Universal parks: 'It doesn't feel anything like Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios. This is a different Universal.' More from Deadline New Epic Universe Ticket Packages Unveiled For Universal Orlando Resort Epic Universe: The Latest Images Of The New Universal Orlando Theme Park Epic Universe Demand High Ahead Of May Opening, Comcast Says, As Domestic Theme Park Attendance To Rally By Next Summer The images and videos posted over the weekend seem to bear at least some of that hyperbole out. The five worlds that comprise Epic Universe are Celestial Park, the first world visitors encounter that serves as a portal the to the other four, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; and Dark Universe. CNN calls the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride the resort's 'most ambitious ride to date.' Promising 'first-of-its-kind ride technology,' Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. Guests will enter the Ministry's grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial — until Umbridge attempts to escape. The entrance to the grand atrium and the venue itself look magnificent. See video and photo below. 🪄 FIRST LOOK at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry queue. UNBELIEVABLE. @UniversalORL #EpicUniverse — ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) April 5, 2025 This is a queue. For a ride. @UniversalORL #EpicUniverse — ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) April 6, 2025 Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy on a chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge – all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more. See below for video of the Battle at the Ministry ride platform and Higgledy himself. Here's a 👀 at the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride vehicle pulling into the load platform. @UniversalORL #EpicUniverse — ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) April 5, 2025 Here's Higgledy, the former house-elf of Dolores Umbridge!As seen in the queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, opening May 22 at Epic Universe in — Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) April 5, 2025 What's clearly on display throughout Epic Universe is world building on a scale traditionally more assorted with Disney parks. No more. That's apparent in the costuming and theming in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, which offers guests a view of what it's like to live amongst dragons and explore a larger-than-life, Viking-influenced world — with a dragon-themed roller coaster, of course. See videos below. Gobber the Belch is at Epic Universe! He's showing off the hand-made items he's forged (pun intended)! 🔨⚔️ He is a must-see in the Isle of Berk. #EpicUniverse #Hosted — Theme Park Shark 🎢🦈 Dustin Sparage (@ThemeParkShark) April 6, 2025 Get your Dragon Manual ready! Meet Toothless only at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk in Universal Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025. — Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) April 5, 2025 A Snow Wraith serving up some free A/C in How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe. — Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 5, 2025 Here is a look at Hiccup's Wing Gliders at How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe. This coaster feels familiar yet brand new. It's another fantastic addition to Universal Orlando's coaster lineup. Family's will LOVE this. #EpicUniverse #Hosted — Theme Park Shark 🎢🦈 Dustin Sparage (@ThemeParkShark) April 5, 2025 At Dark Universe, a land that harnesses Universal's horror history, a ride called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts experiments. She invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters, but her plans go awry when her attempts to control Dracula fail, unleashing a horde of monsters. Guests then ride through the darkness as they try to evade the likes of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and more. Again here, the attention to detail — right down to the themed urinals — stands apart. The Universal Studios Florida monsters unchained ride, is on a different level — Hollywood Horror Museum (@horrormuseum) April 6, 2025 Here's the longest POV released so far for Monsters Unchained! (Spoilers ahead ⚠️) #EpicUniverse #DarkUniverse — NuggetHQ (@nugget_hq) April 5, 2025 Very important information here. The toilets in Dark Universe are black and in their gothic era. That is all. — ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) April 5, 2025 Finally, there is the Orlando resort's own Super Nintendo World. Visitors say it's bigger than its somewhat cramped L.A.-based counterpart — and that's a good thing. The land is divided into three sections: Mushroom Kingdom, Donkey Kong and Mario Kart. See below for a taste of Super Nintendo World. Epic. Universe. Toad. Is. Adorable. 🥹 — Wallin Ballin (@wallin_ballin) April 6, 2025 We're now getting to hear Cranky Kong's English voice at Super Nintendo WorldSo this is what he'd sound like if he talked in the games — Mr. Duby (@misterduby) April 5, 2025 Best of Deadline Brad Pitt's Apple 'F1' Movie: Everything We Know So Far Everything We Know About 'Tron: Ares' So Far Everything We Know About 'Only Murders In The Building' Season 5 So Far
