Back to the Future Returns to Universal Parks?

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The DeLorean might be gearing up for another exciting journey through the Universes of “Back To The Future” – this time, it’s happening in Bedfordshire.

The intrigue surrounding Universal Studios’ upcoming UK theme park project has increased significantly due to a recently unveiled trademark application for “Back to the Future” in the United Kingdom. This filing, submitted in late December 2024 and registered in March 2025, encompasses services related to theme park attractions and live shows under Class 41.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Universal Studios in the UK has officially secured the trademark for “Back to the Future” to be used in their theme parks! Kudos to @RickCooper02 for spotting this exciting news.

— Universal Apex (@universalapex) April 12, 2025

Additionally, eagle-eyed enthusiasts have uncovered more intriguing details in the park’s initial design sketches. They’ve noticed a town square area strikingly similar to Hill Valley, which even includes a large roller coaster at its back end. This has sparked much discussion among fans, who are now pondering if Universal might be considering a high-speed (88 mph) Back to the Future roller coaster, possibly focusing on Doc Brown’s legendary time-travel experiments.

Should it be accurate, this could signal a comeback of one of Universal’s dearly cherished – and often mourned – franchises taking center stage at their amusement parks again.

The Ride That Shouldn’t Have Been Removed?

For long-standing enthusiasts, Back to the Future: The Ride wasn’t simply an amusement; it was a fundamental element that shaped the essence of Universal Studios.

From the 1990s to the mid-2000s, this thrilling simulator attraction ran in Florida, California, and Japan, transporting guests on an exhilarating time-travel adventure with characters Doc Brown and Biff Tannen. However, one of Universal’s more contentious decisions was closing this ride and replacing it with The Simpsons Ride, a move that some believe was a significant mistake in retrospect.

Universal Studios not only stopped producing films from one of its flagship franchises from their own collection, but instead opted to introduce a new Intellectual Property (IP) that eventually became part of Disney’s portfolio, which is Universal’s major rival. The discontinuation of Back to the Future, along with classic titles like JAWS and Kongfrontation, sparked widespread criticism as Universal appeared to be distancing itself from its heritage in a bid to match Disney’s rapid growth in Orlando.

A New Era—and a Second Chance?

Given that Universal’s UK theme park presents a new slate – devoid of any Disney presence – it seems only fitting and just, as we consider the possibility of bringing Back to the Future under Universal’s umbrella once more.

The upcoming resort scheduled to open in 2031, located in Bedfordshire, is already slated to feature attractions themed around “Jurassic Park,” “Shrek,” and “Fast & Furious.” However, a “Back to the Future” land or thrill ride could potentially be the nostalgic gem of the entire park. This idea is strengthened by a recently filed UK trademark, and the suspiciously Hill Valley-like section depicted in the concept art has further stoked speculation.

Experiencing a roller coaster that defies the boundaries of time sounds fascinating to me. Imagining a realistic stroll through Hill Valley, a town I know well, but in a futuristic way, excites me immensely. The idea of a modernized time-travel ride, harnessing today’s advanced technology, seems like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—and it would undoubtedly be an instant hit.

The Bigger Picture

Apart from the current IP they’ve quietly secured, Universal also filed a UK trademark for Halloween Horror Nights as far back as 2022, suggesting a strategic, long-term plan for this project. This proactive approach could be applied here too, possibly setting up the iconic Back to the Future franchise for a much-anticipated return in a location where Universal enjoys no competition from Disney and has full control over the storyline.

It doesn’t matter if the coaster reaches a speed of 88 mph; there’s no denying that fans are eagerly anticipating a chance to travel back in time. It seems like Universal Studios might now be prepared to offer the long-awaited ride experience.

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2025-04-14 16:55