Universal's British Breakthrough: Where Copyright Shapes the Adventure

Liam Alexander 14 Apr 2025

This article offers a concise synopsis of the … new park in Britain while examining why one of its most famous franchises is absent from the attractions. It highlights the conflict between intellectual property rights and the plans of a major entertainment company.

Universal Studios Great Britain is set to become the first European park from the American firm, located to the north of London. Among the planned attractions are rides based on popular franchises such as Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future. A government leader emphasized that the park is intended to promote remarkable British innovations globally, indicating the country’s creative spirit.

However, the renowned media franchise featuring the young wizard and his adventures will not be included. Despite being a key highlight in Universal’s parks in Hollywood, Orlando, and Japan, copyright regulations have prevented its inclusion here. The rights to the franchise in the United Kingdom are held by another studio, which currently operates a separate attraction in Hertfordshire.

A source familiar with the project informed a major broadcaster that the local rights owner did explore potential alternatives but ultimately could not come to an agreement. Future negotiations remain a possibility, leaving room for changes in upcoming years. This situation mirrors similar decisions made about another interactive land that is also excluded from the park’s initial launch, which is planned for 2031.

• Universal has not revealed the full list of rides, and details remain under wraps.
• The majority of attractions will take place indoors.
• A few outdoor roller coasters will be themed focusing on iconic films such as Back to the Future, Jurassic World, and Minions.
• A stunt performance featuring a famous British secret agent will be presented, similar to an existing show in Orlando that highlights another iconic spy character.

This development underscores how intellectual property rights can shape the offerings at major theme parks, even when planning ambitious, internationally inspired projects.