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Universal Studios theme park may embody Jaws and Jurassic Park rides – see full record

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Universal Pictures own some of the biggest film rights in the industry and amongst those that could feature at the new park are Fast and Furious, Shrek and even Harry Potter and James Bond

12:18, 09 Apr 2025

There's already excitement about what could feature
There’s already excitement about what could feature at the park (Image: Getty Images)

Universal is building a mammoth new theme park on the outskirts of Bedford, putting the commuter-belt town on an exclusive list alongside Orlando and Hollywood.

Rides in the massive parks in the US take inspiration from the picture company’s major franchises, creating a thematic breakdown of the sites. Now, many are wondering what this might mean for the new site in Kemptson Hardwick.

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It’s fair to assume that the UK version too will have a selection of rides and areas based on the major brands within the Universal stable.

There’s a good chance that things might have more of a British slant on them compared to its stateside cousins, although of course, this is all conjecture at this point.

Minions have become a favourite for all the family
Minions have become a favourite for all the family (Image: © 2013 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

This is particularly significant given Universal’s connection to Warner Bros through a multi-year distribution deal, meaning a number of the famous studio’s brands could also appear – many of which are British. Franchises such as Paddington Bear, Harry Potter and James Bond have been mentioned by culture secretary Lisa Nandy.

So, what kinds of themes might we be able to expect in the upcoming development, due for completion in 2031?

Which franchises does Universal own?

Bakc to the Future could also feature
Bakc to the Future could also feature (Image: Getty Images)

Universal Pictures have some of the biggest biggest franchises with some of the biggest movies out there including Fast and the Furious. Therefore the ones you might expect to get a feature at the new park.

Of course, many of the projects Universal Pictures has been involved in may only be via distribution, so won’t necessarily mean Universal has the rights to put it in its theme parks.

These mega-blockbuster franchises or films include:

  • Jurassic Park (franchise)
  • Fast and Furious (franchise)
  • Despicable Me (franchise, including Minions)
The Bourne films mix up the roster rather
The Bourne films mix up the roster rather (Image: PA)
  • E.T. (Franchise)
  • Fifty Shades of Grey (owns film rights)
  • King Kong (franchise)
  • Ted (franchise)
  • Shrek (franchise)
  • Meet the Fockers (series of films)
  • Jaws (franchise)
  • Jason Bourne (series of films)
  • The Mummy (franchise)
  • Back to the Future (franchise)
  • Notting Hill (distributed)
The Jurassic Park franchise is one of the firm's flagships
The Jurassic Park franchise is one of the firm’s flagships (Image: Getty Images)
  • Apollo 13 (film)
  • Van Helsing (film series)
  • America Pie (film series)
  • Pitch Perfect (franchise)
  • Bridget Jones (franchise)
  • Hannibal Lecter (franchise)
  • Wicked (film series)

Warner Bros and Universal Studios

Shrek is a big name
Shrek is a big name (Image: Publicity Picture)
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Following the securing of a new deal between Warner Bros and Universal studios last year, there is also a good chance that many of the former’s franchises could end up being a part of the selection of ride and themes at the new park.

At the Orlando resort is the Amazing World of Harry Potter.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast: “This is not just about bringing great American creations to Britain, this is also about showcasing great British creations to the world. These are things like James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are things like Harry Potter. We’ve got so much to be proud of.”

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