While we wait with no longer bated breath over the fate of the two upcoming Hobbit films, Universal seems keen on going ahead with another Middle Earth venture. Inspired by the resounding success of Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios is considering creating a Middle Earth-inspired theme park, complete with hobbits, elves, and the comfy and adorable shire. According to a user on Mice Chat via Cinematical, an e-mail was sent out by Universal expressing their interest in the undertaking. Here’s what it said:
Imagine if you will a world unlike any you've ever visited before: it's Middle Earth, the ancient and beautiful land forged by J.R.R. Tolkien as the backdrop for his two most well known creations, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Walk as a human among dwarves, elves, orcs and hobbits -- all faithfully recreated and portrayed in the spirit of the original characters as they appeared in both the books and the movies. In this land you'll experience one-of-a-kind rides and attractions that bring to life some of the most memorable experiences of Tolkien's world including Bilbo's hobbit hole, the fortress at Isengard (before it was destroyed) and even the dark world of Mordor -- including the terrifying volcanic Mount Doom.
Is this a lucrative idea? The answer to that probably rests in the dangling fate of the Hobbit films, which are currently not getting the financial support necessary to start production. If Universal can sync up the park with the release of the new movies, then they may strike pop culture gold. Otherwise, who wants to empty out their wallets to see a 'fully realized' theme park based on a franchise that has no future? Lord of the Rings no longer has a young, stubborn fanbase (like those Harry Potter worshipers) that will get parents to shell money for Middle Earth come hell or high water.
