The Lord of the Rings Rumored for Universal's Epic Universe

/ themeparkstop New evidence and rumors suggest Universal Orlando was developing a Lord of the Rings land for Epic Universe, and many believe it will be the new park's first expansion.
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Articles Cited
2010 Survey Source: web.archive.org/web/201301070...
2010 Escapist Magazine: www.escapistmagazine.com/rumo...
2012 Huffpost: www.huffpost.com/entry/warner...
2013 Orlando Informer: orlandoinformer.com/2013/week...
2013 WDWNT: wdwnt.com/2013/10/rumor-disne...
2013 The One Ring: www.theonering.net/torwp/2013...
2015 Theme Park Tourist: www.themeparktourist.com/feat...
2015 Theme Park Insider: www.themeparkinsider.com/flum...
2017 World of Universal: worldofuniversal.com/blog/cou...
2018 Disney & More: disneyandmore.blogspot.com/20...
2018 Joe: www.joe.co.uk/entertainment/u...
2018 The Sun: www.thesun.co.uk/travel/59826...
2018 Orlando Weekly: www.orlandoweekly.com/arts/lo...
2018 Yahoo: www.yahoo.com/news/lord-rings...
2018 Winter is Coming: winteriscoming.net/2018/04/06...
2020 Theme Park University: themeparkuniversity.com/unive...
2022 Screamscape: www.screamscape.com/html/epic...
Film Visuals ©New Line Cinema/Warner Bros.
Film Clip Sources
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Trailer #1: • The Lord of the Rings:...
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Trailer #2: • The Lord of the Rings:...
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Main Teaser: • The Lord of the Rings:...
Gandalf in Bilbo's Home: • Gandalf in Bag End
The Shire: • LOTR: The Fellowship o...
Welcome to Rivendell: • Welcome to Rivendell, ...
The Hobbits Arrive to Rivendell: • The Arrival to Rivende...
Rivendell Dinner Scene: • The Hobbit Extended Ri...
Gates of Argonath: • LOTR The Fellowship of...
Escape from Moria: • The Lord of the Rings ...
Minas Morgul: • LOTR The Return of the...
Film Concept Art
Daniel Bayona: www.artstation.com/artwork/6EZDV
Paul Lasaine: / rivendell_concept_art_...
Other Media
Universal Orlando Commercial (2011): • Universal Orlando Reso...
California Adventure Commercial (2013): • Disney California Adve...
Epic Universe Official Announcement: • Universal's Epic Unive...
Epic Universe Overlay Graphic: tommyhawkins/stat...
#EpicUniverse #UniversalOrlando #LordoftheRings #UniversalStudios

[@ThemeParkStop]

What attraction would you build for Middle Earth?

[@LandPirate62]

Mines of Moria with giant Balrog animatronic BABY

[@mro4ts457]

Ride of the Eagles! (Could be like Soarin) Battle of Helms Deep (Could be like the toy story shooter game, but with a bow/arrow instead of a gun)

[@ReallyBadService]

A water ride based on The Hobbit where they're going down the river in the barrels.

[@tormentorox1]

I have 4 suggestions lol 1.) A ride on the backs of The Eagles during the final battle of Mordor in the vain of Flight of Passage. 2.) A trackless darkride that takes you through the Mines of Moria on a scale similar to Rise of the Resistance. 3.) A heavily themed indoor/outdoor boat attraction that utilizes the latest in projection mapping and features multiple splashdowns. 4.) A walkthrough attraction or darkride with Gollum as your guide as he leads you through dangerous territory and into his final trap in Shelob's Lair.

[@WadeMFilms]

I always imagined a drop tower ride for the Tower of Bara-Dur.

[@gartooth3283]

Rivendell makes sense for the land, as one does not *simply* walk into Mordor

[@janmartenlocher]

haha 😀

[@cmike.skywalker]

Best comment lol 👏

[@WadeMFilms]

Ha!

[@CreateArtwithChris]

Well done.

[@chuckoneill2023]

No, one takes an omnimover.🤣😄😅😂😅😄🤣

[@lauraf9860]

It is very telling how much has changed that I trust Universal more in making an immersive LOTR land than Disney

[@redskeleton9204]

California adventure is just a tale of one tragedy after another, to add on a LOTR park to it would be a way worse outcome than Universal making a LOTR park within epic universe

[@bjvincent8786]

💯🎯

[@Reggieprince6363]

Omg why was I thinking that 😆. I think Disney would mess it up really bad make it look like some cartoon land lol.

[@redskeleton9204]

@@Reggieprince6363 then make you pay $50 for a 10oz cup of root beer and call it "middle earth brew"

[@kevinkunzmann8782]

People should be in jail for California Adventure

[@cmike.skywalker]

Ya know, if Universal does a Middle-Earth based section I might just cry from happiness. No doubt about it, that will definitely be my favorite section!! I’d love an area based on Hobbiton with a restaurant themed like the Green Dragon! And Rivendell would be amazing to see, especially with a boat ride! And a Moria based ride with a Balrog would be absolutely AMAZING!! Man I hope this happens 🤞

[@detroitdiezel7856]

You and me, both!!

[@Nyareth]

If the two expansions that come to Epic Universe end up being Lord of the Rings and Pokemon, that's actually kind of insane and i'm here for both of them.

[@himynameiscorey]

Legend of Zelda too 🤞

[@blackellegirl]

I would literally never go anywhere else but Universal!

[@jonathanbowers8964]

Yeah I think LOTR needs the bigger plot of land as you can do Pokemon justice on the 7 acre plot

[@WolfWriterL.P]

Zeldaaaaa yes!!!!

[@aboutrainbow8614]

This would be absolutely incredible. Really would spark the interest of older park goers- which would be a great contrast to things like Super Nintendo world and how to train your dragon (not saying adults can’t enjoy those- it’s just likely that the rides would be built with kids in mind) so this type of setting would be an opportunity for some really groundbreaking rides. So exciting!!!!!

[@sarah.weaver]

Yes, exactly!

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Agreed - personally I can't stand video games and I think the idea of a Nintendo land is beyond ridiculous. Who the hell wants to go to that???

[@rantanamo]

@@tulinfirenze1990 sarcasm?

[@aboutrainbow8614]

@@tulinfirenze1990 me. I want to go too super nintendo world, LOL. based on the success of Japan's park, so do a lot of other people!!

[@differentlydifferent]

@@tulinfirenze1990 so because you personally can't stand video games you think nobody else does? I'm hoping that you weren't asking a real question here

[@redskeleton9204]

I really hope Universal uses the 20 acre lot as the LOTR themed land, the world of LOTR is just way too big for the toon lagoon area and the 7 acre land still wouldn't cut it in terms of scale

[@supremefan]

Not to mention how could they possibly remove the best water flume and best rapids ride in America.

[@saturdaymorningfan3123]

Ceo said illumination is one of the things coming to epic universe plus nintendo future expansion so don't think it would get all of it. Also, if any island of adventure needs to go its lost continent.

[@supremefan]

@@saturdaymorningfan3123 or one of the 2 arena's not being used... Epic having more backlot area's may free up more back area's at IoA/Universal allowing for more expansion without replacing anything.

[@detroitdiezel7856]

Agreed 👍

[@detroitdiezel7856]

@@supremefan True!

[@WorkerBeeSupply]

Epic Universe already sounds amazing... if they added LOTR... WOW. This will be an incredible park and experience!

[@detroitdiezel7856]

All they have to do is add either James Bond or Star Trek to the smaller expansion lot and we're all set!!

[@jomamasophat8973]

If Universal is listening, I would spend so much money there you have no idea. This has to happen!!!!

[@IAMBENNYBLANCO.]

You and everyone else !!!!

[@jamesberry3586]

Same!

[@solskjaer1195]

This would actually be a dream come true for me. Really hope they do it.

[@wickedmrwombat]

This will probably fill up the jar then ;) but having just watched the new trailer for the Prime series, you'd be hard-pressed not to wish for the rumours to be true. A Lord of the Rings land in the quality of Potter and Nintendo would be beyond amazing

[@EriJ100]

There's one more thing I'm half expecting Universal to do at some point, which is expand more into anime worlds. They're already doing it in Japan with Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer (admittedly these are small temp overlays, but still). If they brought that to the US as a full 'land' it would be HUGE as some of those IPs have major fan bases.

[@himynameiscorey]

@@EriJ100 curious, which anime do you think they would carry over into American audiences? Dbz, Naruto, One Piece? One Piece is most family friendly and has a lot of fun lore to explore in a park. They can make a whole One Piece pirate themed area.

[@himynameiscorey]

@@EriJ100 if there’s one thing I personally want to see it would be Naruto themed land, Village Hidden in the leaves with the iconic mountain statues, ramen, ninja gear shops, etc.

[@EriJ100]

@@himynameiscorey I'm not sure if they'd go with a land based off of one IP, or a land with a collection of IPs. In Japan the Universal park has or has had things from many IPs. Artwork of My Hero, Dragon Ball, and Death Note, a One Piece restaurant, a Sailor Moon theater show, and a VR coaster that's had both Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer overlays. Granted most of these have been seasonal overlays and not permanent, however given the amount and variety Universal definitely has some good connections with anime studios over there. I just looked it up and this year they also have collaborations for a monster hunter experience, a "Detective Conan World", and a Hunter Hunter attraction. I'm not a big anime person but given how big anime has become in the states, it's definitely a foot in the door for Universal for a potentially highly lucrative land.

[@blackellegirl]

@@EriJ100 please Sailor Moon!!

[@StealTheSun1985]

Wow! Thanks so much Alicia! This is all so exciting to think about, and I'm not even a LOTR fan. And if even some of this stuff comes to fruition, I'll adore it just the same as I adore the Wizarding World lands as a non-Harry Potter fan. I just love theme parks and the incredible technology and artistry that goes into conceptualizing and designing them. I'm a huge fan of horror, so I have little doubt that the Universal Monsters land will be on the level of a religious experience for me, haha! Bring on that rumored Creature from the Black Lagoon expansion now!!! Thanks again for your hard work!

[@robertgronewold3326]

Okay, if they add this, it would be UTTERLY AMAZING! And honestly, I would totally be down for them retheming Toon Lagoon towards Hobbiton, making a nice, chill, friendly area to hang out in, and then at Epic Universe making the true grandeur of Middle Earth. Some sort of ride through Moria would be amazing. And as far as that 7 acre section of land between Nintendo and Universal Monsters, that I still have the very strong feeling towards winding up Legend of Zelda and Pokemon themed. Those are the big Nintendo properties not yet in the parks, and they really need to be.

[@redskeleton9204]

I think a legend of Zelda area would be a bit more appealing to me, it's also a tiny bit more appealing to slightly older audiences

[@himynameiscorey]

Pokémon is universally the largest merchandising brand of them all, it’s so big of a company it could have its own park. With that being said, they deserve to at least have an area with a Pokémon Snap safari ride, Rayquaza rollercoaster, Lapras water ride, etc also a Pokémon center store or restaurant. As for Legend of Zelda, also an amazing property, one of the most universally loved gaming experiences and the lore of Zelda is too fun to not explore either. Interactive forests and caves with puzzles, a big Hyrule castle, and Nintendo World will be the greatest thing ever. Donkey Kong Country looks promising too.

[@blazefoster5845]

If the rumors are true, then I hope that Universal keeps the attractions and such to just the first 3 movies and the books rather than the new tv-show. Regardless, I would love to see what they come up with for a LOTR theme park!

[@JH-lu5yg]

I think the 20-acre plot next to HP and How to Train Your Dragon would be a good fit. Except the dueling coaster right there. Not sure how they'd disguise the theming. I wouldn't even care if there were rides. Just really nice walk around attractions of the Shire and Rivendell with really good food and music would be perfect.

[@coherentpanda7115]

If they go all out on the budget and use Rivendell as the backdrop to hide the dueling coaster, and get the rights to the soundtrack, I'll be in heaven.

[@mitchellries256]

There was a rumor at one point that one of these would come to Islands of Adventure replacing Toon Lagoon. If this land may really come to Epic Universe, then this is good news because Toon Lagoon is one of my favorite areas in that park and the two water rides they have are my favorite log flume and raft rides (respectively) ever.

[@l.c.8798]

Same! I'd hate for Toon Lagoon to go!

[@detroitdiezel7856]

Hear! Hear! I agree, wholeheartedly!!

[@Bynbrooke]

I had never heard any of these rumors! I would be so excited for a Middle Earth land. I honeslty don't even care about what style rides it has I just think the entire land would be amazing. I'm still hopeful that one one the expansion plots or the retheme of the toon area turns into a "pokemon" land as I also think that would make an incredible land as well and I believe they have a deal already in place.

[@ThemeParkPassion]

The Lord of the Rings would be really cool to see in Epic Universe!

[@michaelv2297]

To choose one land is really hard, but I think it'd have to be Hobbiton. If Universal treats LOTR like they're treating Potter, then maybe theres the possibility of 'sister lands' like diagon alley and hogsmeade. That would enable them to make several immersive lands of different middle earth realms without having to shove all the tower of orthanc into Hobbiton or something weird like that

[@taddik6869]

Holy shit I never knew how bad I wanted this until now

[@joek1168]

Don’t do that, don’t give me hope..

[@sarah.weaver]

Literally! I'm panicking.

[@cc1009]

I hope "The Fall of Gandalf" flying vehicle concept is an idea Alicia talked about before that Universal was working on to have a ride start as a track ride then have a lift that lifts you up and turns it into a suspended ride for the rest of the experience.

[@chelseyblake9667]

I hope that this is true! I've been hoping this for so long and it would definitely keep Universal on the "destination" list. Plus, who hasn't dreamed of walking through Hobbiton and Rivendell??

[@ryuzakithecrux9652]

I think I'd actually start crying if they added the Shire and they played Concerning Hobbits as you walked in

[@ronin6327]

If this does actually happen it'll be greater than disney theme parks IMO. Epic universe is killing it!

[@john.michael01]

Omg if universal gets lord of the rings, that would be an enormous win. I live in California but I would absolutely fly out to Florida in an instant if this was made

[@brianorozco1074]

I’m a casual Lord of the Rings fan but I would absolutely love to see a whole area for it in Epic Universe

[@Misc_Anthony]

If they actually go through with a LOTR land at EU I would prefer it be built on that 20 acre plot and leave the 7 acre plot for a huge Nintendo expansion and bring in The Legend of Zelda.

[@JH-lu5yg]

I would love that! I've been hoping for Zelda somewhere at Universal.

[@sarah.weaver]

YES! THIS EXACTLY! If I had my way, this is EXACTLY what I would want to happen!

[@vandersonvalley5924]

Yes!!! I need to experience Bag End, Moria, Rivendell, and other parts of Middle Earth! Who doesn’t want to see a Belrog!?!? Imagine the music throughout the land!!!

[@erikagray9883]

Howard Shore no doubt!

[@sarah.weaver]

Ooooooh man I didn't even THINK ABOUT THE MUSIC! I'm panicking.

[@cbgott]

Please dont let it be based of the Prime series. Dont make the same mistake Disney made. Dont sell out to Amazon!

[@madisonm1811]

I like the idea of a water ride that is a take on the barrels scene in the Hobbit (Unpopular opinion?) I also like the idea of a dark ride following the fellowship through Moria & concluding with Gandalfs fall with the Balrog.

[@savannah7225]

Love both of those ideas

[@TheDarkFrogsYT]

This would eclipse even the Harry Potter, this is an insane IP for Universal to have, here’s hoping it’s real!

[@Ash-uf4fv]

Eh im pretty sure Harry Potter is a more popular franchise but alright.

[@admiredgsu1217]

@@Ash-uf4fv def

[@sarah.weaver]

It would definitely overshadow Harry Potter for me... And I am a HUUUUGE fan. I cried when I walked into Diagon Alley for the first time.

[@TheDarkFrogsYT]

@@Ash-uf4fv Lord Of The Rings has more staying power in popular culture in my opinion, it’s inspired generations of people and the films are regarded as some of the all time greatest, plus the fact that this would be a world first for Lord Of The Rings, it’d be extremely unique and the technology the concepts and patents are talking about would set a new standard in the industry

[@Ash-uf4fv]

@@TheDarkFrogsYT The world could surpass the HP one for a decent amt of time because its the first of his kind and with all the new tech and shit sure. But 100%, in online and real life, moire people have read/watched/ or know a little bit abt or r fans of Harry Potter more than LOFTR.

[@emilykawaii123]

That's not the sound of the nazgul shrieking. That's me, watching this video.

[@sarah.weaver]

I paused the video halfway through to call me sister about it 😂🙈

[@gr8vbplaya18]

If Universal does this, Disney is in even more trouble than it already is. Uni will dominate the theme park wars esp since Disney has been cutting projects.

[@coherentpanda7115]

Nobody knows what Disney has planned for the future, they are closely guarding plans past 2023. They cut some Epcot expansion after the pandemic, but there is no doubt they are working behind closed doors and NDA's on some big things. The parks are still as profitable as they were pre-pandemic, so there's no reason to think they won't respond to Universal.

[@gr8vbplaya18]

@@coherentpanda7115 We will see after D23 if they have any big plans.

[@BAM5636]

Disney has a long way to go before they are in "trouble".

[@larrybird9340]

Universal is going to crush Dismal Disney.I would love a LOTR LAND!

[@RhythmGrizz]

I want LOTR over more harry potter by a factor of 1000

[@Ash-uf4fv]

Nope.

[@EpsilonOrpheon]

@@Ash-uf4fv Yes.

[@joek1168]

💯 there is enough Harry Potter to keep the fans happy, bring on LOTR. Let’s share an ale at the green dragon and grab something to eat at the prancing pony, or have another ale there too I hear they have pints.

[@RhythmGrizz]

@@Ash-uf4fv evidently Universal Studios Hollywood is getting Nope

[@Ash-uf4fv]

@@RhythmGrizz exactly

[@ladyjane8855]

Been to where they filmed in New Zealand and it's stunning. I'd pay the admission price just to sit and have a coffee there 😁 Ah well, guess we'll have to wait and see....

[@ahiddenlink]

LotR plus Nintendo is something that would absolutely break my brain in the best way possible. Don't get me wrong, the other lands as expected are things I'm very excited for but LotR and Nintendo are things I've been a fan of probably since the late 80s.

[@theruleoffire]

I’ve never watched any of the movies nor read the books and even I am excited for this land. This would literally be epic.

[@JohnAJohnson]

Same, I've seen the movies one time..but this land would look epic. I played Nintendo games as a kid, but I'm not excited about the land seems much more appealing to children.

[@rattyeely]

Watch the movies, they're really good

[@ryoachum6362]

Oh my gosh!!!! Please universal make this happen! Mt Doom coaster, Moria Dark ride, the possibilities are endless!!

[@dashkataey1740]

Moria dark ride in the vein of the Jurassic World ride in Beijing where your car gets chased by an animatronic troll.

[@aboutrainbow8614]

MOUNT DOOM COASTER!!!! That has the potential to be so intense and creative. Really hoping they’re considering that.

[@SwetyBoi]

AHHHHH you cant play with my heart like this! Please Universal, PLEASE!

[@kikihorton2371]

You're the best at this. Thanks for the video!!

[@shawnokeefe1580]

Never clicked a video so fast

[@juanpabloho206]

I was watching the LOTR the power of the rings trailer, and at the end my cellphone notificate me this, and wooow 😂

[@sarah.weaver]

Me either!

[@jokerski3250]

I thought about this when me and my wife was there a few weeks ago. People would come from all over the world to see this.

[@LaurensTravels]

I want to happy cry in the Shire and Rivendell. 😩

[@stephaniecarriere5109]

A LOTR land would be incredible. I would love to see a dark ride centered on the Nazgûl, they could name it ''The Nine''.

[@iank7941]

My people!!!

[@smithgdwg]

A really faithful recreation of Hobbiton would be amazing.

[@ToneTitan]

How to Train Your Dragon, Wizarding World, and LOTR, side-by-side, on one side of the park sounds amazing

[@himynameiscorey]

Trueeee

[@onehorseopensleigh]

This would be amazing, as long as it’s really LOTR and not Amazon’s fan-fiction!

[@sarah.weaver]

Yes! I agree! The huge plot in Epic makes a much better home for it anyway!

[@IAMBENNYBLANCO.]

Trust me..... Universal is not Disney, they'll stay true to the original and not the Amazon crap.

[@StevenMarjerison]

I’m all here for this! This would be a complete game-changer!

[@ZakAstro]

I have been dying for lord of the rings to come to universal! I wish they would have made it a land that opened with the park, but if they’re seriously going to use it as an expansion, I’m jazzed!!!!

[@sarah.weaver]

Using something this huge as an expansion is actually a great idea for them logistically. Everyone is going to RUN to the new park in the first year or two of opening, so it makes sense to leave something HUGE they can add in in a few years time to keep the huge surges crowds coming! Epic Universe is seriously looking like it is going to quickly become the best Universal park to date. And I seriously can not freaking wait!

[@Troopertroll]

Toon Lagoon into the Shire and The Artist Formerly Known As "Lost Continent" into Rivendell. Mythos sculpture is easily transformed into The Argonath statues, and Poseidon can be a spooky walk-through of Moria or Dunharrow. The Pass of Caradhras would be a clean transition into the snowy Hogsmeade area.

[@portcybertryx222]

Universal will completely dominate Disney if they actually manage to get this done and recreate the movie sets as shown

[@masterwatermelonthemeparks]

im happy now... u posted :)

[@Durandalski]

When my wife and I first experienced the Wizarding World this year we said the only thing that could compare would be a LOTR land. Boy I hope this rumor comes true.

[@philipchenmba]

A Rivendale land will be so romantic it will be an ideal place for marriage proposals and wedding photos.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Riverdale? Like with Archie and Jughead? Or do you mean Rivendell?

[@MoAntphonyMo]

a LOTR dark ride would be a dream come true. I need that Sauron's revenge type of ride

[@chileanyways196]

Can you please do construction updates, news and rumors about Fantasy Springs, the new Tokyo DisneySEA park? There’s not much info out about it

[@ThemeParkStop]

I’ll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion! We will at very least talk about it on the podcast after it opens.

[@EngineFD223]

The only thing that sucks about this news, is that... If true, it could be several years after the park opens before they even begin construction on an expansion. So realistically, what are we looking? An opening in 2030 realistically? Thats a long time after the movies and potentially after this show. I just wonder if they have more movies and shows around this franchise in the works to keep interest in the IP.

[@theUselessProfessor]

How many dads will run ahead of their families, stand in front of the entrance to the land, and yell, "YOU! SHALL NOT! PASS!!!!!!!!!!!"

[@sarah.weaver]

ITLL BE ME, IM THE DAD 😂🙈

[@thoringroth]

I was kinda forced to be a LotR fan from birth (you know, my whole name and all) so this is super exciting, especially for my parents!

[@lukesewell8294]

YES, I’VE WAITED SO LONG!

[@JL-1123]

A mines of Moria coaster... Maybe Universal can coax Joe Rohde out of retirement purely to create a giant attacking Balrog animatronic that doesn't, you know, immediately break and become unfixable... #Redemption

[@iank7941]

:applause:

[@santakosoundsystem7542]

Makes sense. It's probably the biggest fantasy IP without a theme park. There's already too much Wizarding World in Universal Orlando. Classic Monsters + Nintendo + Lord of the Rings would be a great mix for Epic Universe.

[@l.c.8798]

Such cool news!!!

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

As excited as I would be for a LotR land as immersive as wizarding world, I really REALLY do not want to see toon lagoon replaced for it. Would rather see them refresh that land with more retro toon stuff.

[@Tortidis987]

Popeye's is one of my favorite rides of all time, and Dudley's is amazing too. I wouldn't mind seeing the midways redesigned but I would hate to lose the overall land, plus Epic Universe is just a much better fit for LOTR

[@davidfitzsimmons2451]

@@Tortidis987 exactly, Dudley's is honestly one of the best log flumes I ever been on so would be a shame to see it go

[@FlowWithThePro]

Would be cool if the land was designed to start in the Shire and end in Mordor, with stops in Rivendell, Moria, etc. Give guests a ring with GPS and you have to do certain quests within each land. The “designated ring bearer” has to put on the ring in certain spots on certain rides, something like that.

[@calebveitch3338]

LOTR and Harry Potter in one park…oh my god

[@sarah.weaver]

That and the monsters land???? I've never understood the psychos who want their ashes spread in Disney.... Until this moment. Not saying I'd do it.... But I get it 😂🙈

[@attractionshubno1]

Great video, it’d be awesome if there was a Middle Earth themed area at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

[@michaelmadsen1222]

This franchise could support an entire park by itself.

[@RobertoMezquiaJr]

I would literally relocate my home to the Epic Shire if this were true. If Disney somehow gets it, I will have to pass unfortunately. Thanks for the updated rumors!

[@BAM5636]

Lol

[@pinrex47]

If they want to lose money they can do it based on the Amazon series. If they secure the rights they better not go beyond the original trilogy. If they stick to that it will be a gold mine.

[@puddlejumper8466]

I know recently Alicia has said that things have gone quiet on the LOTR front, but I still come back to this video and hope Universal changes their mind. Maybe things have gone quiet because that huge expansion plot (whatever it turns into) won't be touched for a decade, so there's no rush on LOTR, Star Trek, or whatever else.

[@bigbadchillybear]

Hopefully coming to the uk

[@thesneakertifosi]

Imagine they gave us a retro land with an updated Back to the Future, Jaws and Ghostbusters. One can dream

[@janmartenlocher]

WOW !! Thats JUST FANTASTIC news!!

[@sizzlemann]

I hope they make this happen. I'd fly to the states just to experience this land.

[@BAM5636]

I would LOVE if LOTR got a land and there seems to be enough here to inspire a bit of hope this might happen. Still though, I will believe it when I see it.

[@omarnoble4788]

Looking forward to reviews of the Mordor bathrooms.

[@oberthewhat]

Oh my gosh this would be amazing.

[@fercuscuelalopez9454]

I would be so happy if this comes true… no idea which land should be themed as… maybe Moria… Minas Tirith could be an introduction to a dark ride similar to forbidden journey or smth… then you could “fly” or ride elsewhere while escaping from a battle…

[@funnywackysillyman7780]

Seeing a recreation of the eye of sauron would be dope

[@GLJosh]

Would love LOTR Land, would settle for Hobbit Land, and would be disappointed with the Ring of Power Land. Actually I could see a water ride similar that one scene from the Hobbit. Ok I have watched further, a Boat ride with Orc's firing arrows would be pretty sweet, a LOTR version of a Pirates of the Caribbean, a thematic drop tower, and maybe even a screen based "on rail shooter".

[@hopejordan2997]

I would LOVE to visit the Shire!

[@Maya_Ruinz]

Adding LOTR to any park would instantly get my attention, I love Harry Potter and all.. but its no LOTR. First coaster could be a dark ride with a massive drop named "Mines of Moria".

[@mantis638]

If they were to retheme a section of the parks, I would think they could retheme Springfield and the fear factor stage show. I know the section was up in the air already. Plus, they could move any rides/attractions to other areas.

[@philipchenmba]

A Lord of the Ring Land will propel Universal to surpass Disney in theme park quality. And I will definitely visit it during the first year of opening like I did with PotterLand.

[@Bulldozer4000]

Something about having a ride named The Fall of Gandalf where we just see him die at the end is morbidly hilarious to me. Seems like a really weird thing to make a fun immersive ride about

[@RankingTheMouse]

YESSSSSSSS. THIS NEWS HAS ME SO FREAKING PUMPED!!!!!

[@sarah.weaver]

I'm panicking

[@Viking_Luchador]

Mario could fill an entire park by itself: you've got the main continuity of Super Mario games; the Mario Kart franchise; Mario Party; Mario Sports... The main layout of the park could be the traditional hub & spoke model, branching out to the most popular lands of the Mushroom Kingdom. Then when it comes time for expansion, you could add a Kart pavilion with various courses inspired by the games (and not like a wimpy Tomorrowland Speedway, where you putter along at the speed of a lawnmower); a Party pavilion with life sized versions of popular mini games; and finally Sports pavilion, where you can play indoor tennis, golf, soccer, and baseball (and every other year, you could do something special for the Summer and Winter Olympics). I'm A goddamn idea machine! here's what I need to see at the opening of the Classic Monsters land: 1) Ricou Browning is the Guest of Honor for the Grand Opening; he played the Gill-Man in all three Creature from the Black Lagoon movies (the swimming sequences, anyway); he's also the last living actor to have played one of the Classic Monsters 2) a larger than life statue dedicated to Lon Chaney, Jr.; not as any character, but the man himself. He was in 10 UCM movies, more than any other actor -- five as Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man; once as Frankenstein's Monster; three times as Kharis, the Mummy; and once as Count Dracula (technically his son, but the title was passed down). He's the only actor to have played all of the "Big Four" monsters 3) a smaller statue dedicated to Dwight Frye, to serve as a tribute to the various character actors who played supporting roles across multiple movies; he's most famous as Renfield in "Dracula" and Fritz in "Frankenstein", but he also had an uncredited role as a reporter in "The Invisible Man", and bit parts in four of the Frankenstein sequels (two of which were just uncredited villagers) 4) Franchises and characters that need to be represented: Dracula -- Count Dracula (both Bela Lugosi and John Carradine), Professor van Helsing; Frankenstein -- The Monster (both Boris Karloff and Glenn Strange), Henry Frankenstein, Ygor; The Mummy -- Kharis, Andoheb (Egyptian mystic turned High Priest of Karnak/Arkam and Kharis' handler), Stephen Banning & Babe Jenson (twice defeated Kharis & Andoheb); The Invisible Man -- Geoffrey Radcliffe (I know that Jack Griffin/Claude Rains was the original, but Vincent Price just has a much more recognizable voice); The Wolfman --Larry Talbot, Maleva the gypsy woman; The Creature from the Black Lagoon -- the Gill-Man, Captain Lucas. 5) even though he was overshadowed by Talbot, some recognition should go to Dr. Wilfred Glendon from "Werewolf of London" 6) if the Phantom of the Opera is featured, he should alternate between the original silent B&W version (Lon Chaney) and the Technicolor remake (Claude Rains)

[@ottot3221]

If one company can secure the rights for Middle Earth it is Universal. I hope with all my hart this is going to be true as I love that world.

[@tulinfirenze1990]

You own a hart? Is it called Bambi?

[@Sha_NaLeaaaa]

I would literally cry tears of joy if this is true.

[@mattbee4091]

THIS WOULD BE AMAAAAZING!!!

[@vplexico]

I’m not even a Harry Potter fan and the Potter sections of Universal Orlando are amazing. I’m always jealous that those fans (my family) get such a beautiful, immersive world to roam around in. When we were there in March, I was just saying how I wish they would do something similar for Middle-earth.

[@wwshd5393]

A LOTR themed land is more exciting than any of the other things I’ve heard planned for Epic Universe. A LOTR ride on the same level as the Harry Potter rides would be insane.

[@rickpollen4984]

This would be really cool!

[@tommyboytt6454]

wish we could get a coaster like hagrids for a Middle-Earth main attraction

[@sarah.weaver]

I would CRY if I got to visit a lord of the rings world. More so then when I cried in diagon alley. I really hope this comes to be. Editing to add: Y'all just don't understand how badly I need this to be a really thing to happen. I looooove Harry Potter. I cried the first time I walked into Diagon Alley. Cried. But that would be nothing compared to a LOTR land. If I could visit Rivendell.... I would probably need my inhaler. I can't even imagine what I would do, and how I would react. Please please update us the second you find out more info 🥺

[@goldstarchoice]

To say I'm geeked is an understatement. What a time to be alive.

[@Acidrainia]

A Forbidden Journey style ride where you ride eagles throughout Middle Earth would be amazing

[@tulinfirenze1990]

Twelve years? I actually started hearing about this in 2001.

[@GeneMontana406]

i wonder if they might build this in the uk?