Here's the statement from Universal:
New York Street will be rebuilt and a new attraction will replace King Kong. We expect the backlot to be completely rebuilt within several months and replacement for King Kong to be announced in the coming months.
Universal Creative's Mike West talked last month in an audio interview with Theme Park Insider about Universal's desire to keep its attractions fresh. At the time I thought to myself, "Hmm, Kong and Jaws are feeling a little stale at USH. Wonder if we'll get anything new on the west coast anytime soon?"
Well, consider this the fire that broke the big ape's back. Yes, the attractions are classics. But they don't resonate with today's movie and TV audiences the way that The Simpsons or even Jurassic Park do. If the old attraction's still standing, there's a cost incentive to let it remain until one can make a business case to replace it with something new.
But if that ride burns down, well, it just doesn't make sense to spend money to rebuild an attraction that probably was on the chopping block short list anyway. Let's see what Universal comes up with.
I know Universal people read TPI, so, let's hear it, TPI readers... what should Universal build to replace Kong on the Studio Tour?
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That narrows things down a bit. FWIW, the only two Universal pictures to gross more than $200m over the past four years have been Bourne Ultimatum and... King Kong.
Bourne would work if they could get some sort of stunt show while you're riding the tram.
Is Marvel gone from USH? I think I remember reading something about that. If not, a Marvel themed set would be great!
Kung Fu Panda somehow?
I would love for them to cover a classic movie or montage of classic movies, maybe covering a certain genre. I realize the House of Horrors covers some of Universal's horror classics, but maybe they could pay tribute to the ones they missed (Psycho et al), or acknowledge a certain director's work, like Spielberg or Hitchcock.
Either way, as long as it isn't replaced with garbage, like Hellboy or Transformers, I'll be happy.
And I agree with Robert that the new attraction will have to be something suitable for the tram due to the location of the building being too far from the main park.
- It's got to be themed to a live-action shoot. So no video-game or CGI-flick themes.
- There are no live actors or human animatronics in any of the Studio Tour set piece attractions. So assume none here. I think that would make Bourne a tough fit.
I would love, love, love to see Harry Potter in here, which would work (hello Gringotts!), except for the fact that everyone know the movies are filmed in England, so there's no plausible case that part of the movies would have been filmed at USH.
Bring Back Kong!
I miss that ride.
The odd thing about Kong was that he didn't fit in. Most of the other movies are classics, like Jaws and Psycho. Kong was crap. The newer Kong movie, and the original 1933, were far superior to the 1976 film on which the tram attraction was based.
Harry Potter is the best choice at this point, despite that there are better movies around. It would give USH a taste of Harry that the east coast is getting, and there are still two movies to come.
I'd much rather a Hitchcock montage, or something of the like. I miss the Hitchcock attraction.
However, I do not understand why they don't rebuild Kong in a newer version, with the newer Kong still only a few years old. It could be more visually stunning.
This would be fun in my eyes, but it may not fit the theme of showing the tram tourists the methods of making films.
If not Harry Potter, I would recommend a "Lord of the Rings" theme brought to life Universal Style. With a "Hobbit" in the works...this should be good way to go for years to come.
Also, the new attraction should have water and fire. And loud noises. And robots.
It worked really well as part of the tram tour and , whether you are old enough to remember the movies or not, it still had great appeal. I mean......where else can you experience the thrills of a gigantic ape wreaking havoc in the big city ? ( a rhetorical question by the way ! ).
No......it was still a thrilling fun ride-through and warrants rebuilding for future generations to enjoy. I still miss the longer dedicated ride at Orlando and I think Universal made a mistake in removing it. ( Although I do like "The Mummy" too. Wasn't there room for both ? )
Anyway for my money. Kong should return to Hollywood and , while I'm at it, BTTF should be resurrected in some shape or form at one of the Parks too.
Whatever next ? Will they be pensioning off " Lucy " and repacing her with J-Lo ?? Newer does not mean better.
The defence rests.
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At least we know there's probably insurance money from the Kong fire that can be used on a new attraction.
Obvious choice: transplant a version of the Spider Man attraction from IOA. It's about the same size, indoors, etc.
Other than that, take a look at Universal's upcoming film slate for cues: Borne Ultimatim sequel: maybe a car chase through the streets of Europe.
Fast and the Furious 4 is on tap: Maybe a Test-Track-like attraction.
Or, since they own the Sci Fi channel, the best attraction would be based on Battlestar Galactica and it's upcoming spinoff, Caprica. Just imagine, an attraction based in the Battlestar universe could be something spectacular, to say the least.
There are rumblings around town, though, that Warner Bros and Universal might merge. It would be sad, though, because it would get rid of one of the major studios. But if this happens, the library at Warners is RIPE for theme park attractions -- such as the already announced Harry Potter from Warners; or the Looney Tune characters. I know, I know, Six Flags already has Warners characters. But don't you think they deserve a place at one of the top-tier parks?