| # | Author | Message |
1
| Dr Hans Reinhardt
Thu 1/3/2013 9:29a | Miceage is reporting that Universal is in the process of acquiring the rights to develop theme park attractions based on the Lord of The Rings film series.
http://micechat.com/19049-univ...al-park/ |
2
| leemac
Thu 1/3/2013 9:38a | ^^ The Tolkien estate aren't even talking to WB at the moment as they are embroiled in legal action over claims that WB overstepped their rights in terms of merchandise etc.
I've no idea who hold the theme park rights but I'd guess it is the Tolkien estate - and I'm not sure Comcast would buy the rights without access to the movie rights too. It could prove very expensive. |
3
| HokieSkipper
Thu 1/3/2013 9:42a | MiceAge is reporting wrong.
From what I understand there are ongoing talks, but nothing further than that. |
4
| Dr Hans Reinhardt
Thu 1/3/2013 9:52a | "MiceAge is reporting wrong."
It wouldn't be the first time. |
5
| hopemax
Thu 1/3/2013 10:33a | Got me all excited that there was progress.
I remember right after WWoHP opened Universal surveys included LotR in a list of "what would you like to see next." So I figured they would try to pursue it and it might happen "someday." |
6
| HokieSkipper
Thu 1/3/2013 10:48a | I think, and this is nothing more than a gut feeling, that we'll see Universal get LOTR in the next decade.
I don't expect it to see it in a park until the 2018-2020 range, but I see it happening. |
7
| wahooskipper
Thu 1/3/2013 11:30a | Sounds to me that this would be less a 'Potter' success story and more an 'Avatar' success story. |
8
| gurgitoy2
Thu 1/3/2013 11:32a | And right now, they're kind of the only theme park operator that could do this. After the success of Harry Potter in their hands, it would prove that they could do something well.
I remember even Disney was in talks briefly to acquire Lord of the Rings, but it wasn't for long, and they finally settled on Avatar.
I'm sure Disney has no interest at this point, since now they have two very hot properties in Star Wars, and Marvel to create lands or whole parks on. Not to mention the Avatar deal. It would make no sense for Disney to get something that they have limited control over and have to partner with the Tolkien estate and/or Warner Bros. Universal has to license these things, as they don't have enough of their own properties to create blockbuster attractions (although some might disagree with me). |
9
| HokieSkipper
Thu 1/3/2013 11:32a | <<Sounds to me that this would be less a 'Potter' success story and more an 'Avatar' success story. >>
I'd very much disagree there. I don't see it getting a Potter response, but the LOTR fanbase is large, strong, and loyal. |
10
| leemac
Thu 1/3/2013 11:35a | <<I remember even Disney was in talks briefly to acquire Lord of the Rings>>
AFAIK there is no truth to that claim. I've been told by colleagues that would know that Disney never discussed theme park rights with the family - even when Miramax held the movie rights. |
