Universal Orlando announced today that their Terminator 2: 3D attraction will run its final show on October 8th of this year. According to a press release on the park’s website, the long-standing show will close to make way for a new live-action experience based on a “high energy” Universal franchise in 2019. This announcement comes on the heels of the closure of Dragon Challenge at the neighboring Islands of Adventure park.
The official announcement reads as follows (additional information will likely be made after Hurricane Irma passes).
“Terminator 2: 3D at Universal Studios Florida will run its last shows on Sunday, October 8 to make way for an all-new live action experience based on a high-energy Universal franchise. It will open in 2019. This is one of many exciting new experiences coming to Universal Orlando resort as we continue our epic growth. Stay tuned- more details will be released soon.”
Based on one of the most successful science fiction movies of all time, Terminator 2: 3D opened at Universal Studios Florida on April 27, 1996, and it has been the main attraction in the Hollywood section of the park. The experience is a mixture of live actors on stage combined with state-of-the-art 3D screens that blend seamlessly with the action taking place in front of you. Terminator has long been rumored to be on the chopping block, as the film it is based on is over 26 years old. The film franchise has gone through several sequels/reboots during the time the attraction has been open, all of which have had mediocre to poor ratings. Despite receiving a refurbishment recently, it appears Universal is ready to move on from the current attraction.
As for what may replace Terminator, there are several key phrases that can be taken from the statement. The most obvious term used is “live action.” The new attraction will be a show, most likely in a similar fashion to Terminator 2: 3-D. The other term used is “high energy” as well as it being based on a Universal franchise. That description narrows down a list to several possibilities. One action franchise Universal does own already is the Bourne films. A stunt show based on the Jason Bourne series would be a welcome addition to the park. The more interesting and difficult prospect is James Bond. Currently, plans are in place for the 25th Bond film to start shooting next year, with a likely release date of 2019 (same as this new attraction). How does the date tie into the theme? It just so happens that the distribution rights for 007 are up for grabs, and it has been recently reported that Universal is one of the companies vying for the rights. Both of these options are intriguing, to say the least, but until Universal makes another announcement, we won’t know for sure what is coming.
Stay tuned to Attraction Insight for all the latest details about Terminator 2: 3D and any updates around the theme park and entertainment world.
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