Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down Comcast’s planned split from NBCUniversal and Sky, and what that could mean for Universal’s theme park business. They look at how a standalone NBCUniversal might affect future park investment, especially after years of Comcast enthusiasm for rides, lands, and Epic Universe. The episode also covers a big week of Halloween Horror Nights announcements, new Universal CityWalk updates, and animation news from Annecy. Then Jim shares the fiery history of how Ron Howard’s Backdraft became a Universal Studios Hollywood attraction.
NEWS
• Comcast plans to split NBCUniversal and Sky into a standalone publicly traded media company.
• Jim and Eric discuss how this could reshape Universal Parks funding, strategy, and future growth.
• Halloween Horror Nights announces Hellraiser for both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
• Universal reveals original HHN houses including Invasion: Alien Abduction and Cyber Goria.
• Universal CityWalk Orlando appears to be improving its bus terminal entry ahead of peak crowds.
FEATURE
• Jim looks back at Ron Howard’s 1991 film Backdraft and how Universal turned it into a lower lot attraction.
• The Backdraft attraction used intense flame effects, controlled heat, and a surprise platform drop to put guests in the middle of a warehouse fire.
• The episode revisits the 1990 Universal backlot fire and the rapid rebuilding of New York Street.
• Jim explains how Backdraft opened during Universal Studios Hollywood’s push to become a full motion-picture-based theme park.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey, Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Epic Universal listeners can save up to 12% on theme park tickets, plus save on after-hours events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with UnlockedMagic.com.
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