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A Lord of the Rings theme park attraction might finally be coming to life

Plans for a Universal theme park in the UK reportedly include a Lord of the Rings attraction, as well as Jurassic Park, James Bond, and more

If you want to visit Middle-earth, you currently have two choices: go all the way to New Zealand and visit the locations of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies in person, or — and this is the by far more affordable option — read the books and use your imagination. For fans in the UK, that looks set to change thanks to plans for a new theme park in the South of England.

The BBC is reporting that Lord of the Rings is one of a number of fan-favorite properties likely to be included in the new Universal Destinations park planned for Bedford, alongside similarly iconic characters like Paddington and James Bond, as well as the significantly less British Back to the Future and Jurassic Park. Construction on the park is intended to begin in 2026, with the park itself not opening until 2031 according to sources.

The anonymous source told the BBC that “contracts have been signed” for multiple brands and properties to be included in the park, and that any potential remaining negotiations will be over smaller details, not whether or not to include a movie or show.

“At this point it will be little details they tweak, like ‘Let’s use a different shade of paint on that Lord of the Rings castle,’” the source is quoted as saying. (They have painted castles in Lord of the Rings? Maybe there’s an extended-extended edition I haven’t seen.)

While Universal is officially saying that “it will still be some time before we can share further details on the featured attractions and experiences,” the BBC report suggests that rollercoasters based on Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions will be included, as well as “a stone show based on 007.”

No details on what fans should expect from the Lord of the Rings attraction, but we remain hopeful that second breakfasts will be available at all eating establishments inside the park, nonetheless. It’s what John Ronald Reuel Tolkien would have wanted, after all.


Whether you're Shirefolk, Elven, Dwarven, or something else, there's a good reason to love Lord of the Rings. We do! With that in mind, we have a dragon's horde of goodies for you:

Graeme McMillan

Graeme McMillan: Popverse Editor Graeme McMillan (he/him) has been writing about comics, culture, and comics culture on the internet for close to two decades at this point, which is terrifying to admit. He completely understands if you have problems understanding his accent.

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