UniversalParksBlog News for April 25th, 2022
We’ve had an exciting few weeks in Central Florida. Disney is feuding with the government, while Universal Studios just got sued for $250 million.
Photo:skillastics.com
I’ll explain what’s happening in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
The Universal Lawsuit
You can file this one squarely under “sore loser.” A business enterprise has sued Universal Studios over the Epic Universe land development.
Photo:themeparx.com
The source of the feud stems from negotiations that occurred involving the land.
Fourth Watch Acquisitions believes that they had an agreement in place to purchase some of the same land that Universal Studios now owns. Specifically, their claim involves 135 acres of land around Universal Boulevard.
Fourth Watch Acquisitions claims that a binding agreement occurred with Universal City Property Management. The land would have cost $125 million.
The lawsuit states that Universal Studios recognized an opportunity to acquire a valuable parcel of land.
Photo: Universal Orlando
So, the company interceded or, as Fourth Watch would describe it, interfered with that transaction to make a higher bid.
The lawsuit argues that Universal City Property Management III “breached a binding agreement” for the land.
However, I don’t expect this one to have any teeth. I say this because that same company, Universal City Property Management III (UCPM), finished a lawsuit with Universal Studios in 2016.
Apparently, Fourth Watch Acquisitions recognized an opportunity to buy land near an already established theme park.
Photo: Universal
The executives presumed UCPM had no love lost for Universal Studios due to the recent lawsuit. Instead, those two parties kissed and made up.
They did what was best for business by having Universal Studios purchase this valuable parcel of land. Meanwhile, UCPM went with the highest bidder.
What Happens Next?
(Jeff Fusco/Comcast via AP Images)
Generally, in situations like this, the deeper-pocketed corporation gets sued as well as a sort of scare tactic/shakedown. Still, given the information at hand, UCPM appears to be the only party with any real exposure here. They’re the ones who may have broken an agreement.
What happens next? The matter plays out in court. As a reminder, Comcast owns Universal Studios, which means they have some of the finest lawyers in the world.
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort
Realistically, the only way this lawsuit becomes any more than a nuisance is if Fourth Watch wins an injunction that stops the development of the land.
Frankly, we seem far too late in the ballgame for something like that to happen. Even in that eventuality, Universal Studios would probably just grit their teeth and cut a check.
Photo: the balance.com
I’m not a lawyer, though. So, I’m speaking more as someone who has covered corporate warfare for many years, not anyone with legal expertise.
Where’s Fantastic Beasts?
Universal Studios Florida
Recently, when a significant film release has entered movie theaters, Universal Studios has happily embraced the event.
We’ve watched characters from DreamWorks Animation films roam through the parks.
At Universal Studios, THE most important place is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
As such, some guests have wondered about the lack of tie-ins to Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. And the answer is simple.
For the past few years, Universal executives have struggled with how to approach the controversial nature of J.K. Rowling, the franchise’s creator.
Photo:cnbc.com
On top of that, Johnny Depp is currently speaking in a civil suit wherein he’s accused his ex-wife of defamation.
Thus far, the lawsuit has made both parties appear loathsome. Not coincidentally, Fantastic Beasts recast Depp’s role, replacing him with Mads Mikkelsen.
Still, that association lingers in the memories of fans. And, somehow, that’s not even the worst part.
Photo: rottentomatoes.com
As Depp continues his PR nightmare, Ezra Miller has gotten arrested twice recently in Hawaii.
In Fantastic Beasts 3, Miller returns as Credence Barebone. So, yeah, their presence in this film has proven extremely awkward.
Photo: Screen Rant
Furthermore, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios weren’t all-in on the Fantastic Beasts franchise after the second film anyway.
The initial plans for Epic Universe called for a Fantastic Beasts themed land. Those have appeared to vanish in lieu of another Wizarding World.
As such, you can understand why park officials don’t want to parade various reminders of Fantastic Beasts around the parks. It’s a flagging franchise at the moment.
Photo: Universal
In truth, we’ve likely seen the last of Fantastic Beasts for several years. So, it doesn’t deserve a park presence anyway.
Universal Updates
Photo:jetinternational.com
First, I should mention that a federal court ruling has ended the face mask requirement on planes and other forms of public transportation.
The Justice Department is appealing this ruling, but your next flight to Orlando likely won’t involve masking. At this point, we’ve reset safety standards to where they were before the pandemic.
Photo: orlandoairports.net
You obviously have the right to mask at Orlando International Airport (MCO), on your plane, or anywhere else. Just please be aware that most other people probably won’t.
While we’re on the subject of MCO, the long-anticipated South Terminal C will finally debut on September 19th.
Photo: orlandoairports.net
This place is another project that suffered delays due to the pandemic.
Specific to the parks, Universal Studios Florida has unveiled another live performance.
Photo:https://buzzfeed.liteyt.com/site-https-universalparksnewstoday.com
The City Force Streetmosphere show involves a bunch of people dressed up like a road construction crew.
They do…whatever this is:
Meanwhile, over at Universal Studios Hollywood, something I’d previously mentioned has come to fruition.
The World-Famous Studio Tour has added some electric trams! Yes, four of the vehicles have a carbon-neutral footprint!
Universal Studios has committed to a green-friendly park initiative over the next decade. So, this is a lovely step toward that goal!
Finally, we’re still just talking rumors for now. However, some recent job postings suggest that Revenge of the Mummy may return sooner than we’d expected!
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal Studios had suggested an August return, but a July comeback appears possible, maybe even likely!
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Feature Photo: Universal
