Earlier this year, Universal rocked the theme park community and beyond when it confirmed its plans for a U.K.-based Universal Studios resort that’s set to open in Bedfordshire in 2031. Naturally, parkgoers have been busy speculating about what attractions it might host ever since.
Of course, Jurassic Park (or Jurassic World), which appears at Universal Studios destinations worldwide, is considered the most likely contender. However, the resort is also expected to feature homegrown franchises such as James Bond and Paddington Bear.
A Back to the Future Attraction Might Be on the Cards
But there are some other surprising names being thrown around. Among them are The Lord of the Rings and Back to the Future. And it’s the latter that really has fans buzzing with excitement. The original 1985 film, which stars Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) and Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown), remains a cornerstone of pop culture. It also spawned a multimedia franchise that includes games, comics, an animated series, and a musical.
Now, Back to the Future may find its way back into the theme park setting, perhaps in the form of a roller coaster or a full-fledged land inspired by Hill Valley (whether that’s 1985, 1955, or 1885!). And by “back”, we are, of course, referring to Back to the Future: The Ride. As we’re dealing with time travel, this involves stepping into the DeLorean momentarily…
What Was Back to the Future: The Ride?
Back to the Future: The Ride was a simulator attraction located at Universal Studios Orlando, Florida (which opened in 1991), Universal Studios Hollywood (which opened in 1993), and Universal Studios Japan (which opened in 2001).
Inspired by the films, the ride was a first-person adventure set after the events of Back to the Future Part III (1990). Sadly, all three installations have since been closed down.
But Universal Studios Great Britain could see the DeLorean make a trailblazing return. Though we’ve no idea what to expect if it is on the cards, a new concept video from the YouTube channel AmusementInsider gives us some idea of what a Back to the Future roller coaster could look like.
“Universal Studios’ new Great Britain theme park is set to open in 2031. One of the most anticipated additions is expected to be a new Back to the Future roller coaster that will sit behind a full-size Hill Valley set inside the park,” the description on the video reads.
“The 88mph attraction would tower over the park, being the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK, surpassing Hyperia [Thorpe Park]. It would have a double spike element with one side twisting and multiple inversions,” a description for the fan-made ride says.
It continues: “The roller coaster seen in this animation is considered a concept, but it is built to scale as much as possible using the park’s official concept art, Google Maps, and public site plans. The height of the tower is approximately 95 meters at its highest (310 feet), assuming the ride goes 88mph (based on the movie and the required speed for time travel), which has the DeLorean ride vehicle reaching a height of approximately 285 feet up the tower.”
Of course, it’s worth reminding you that this is entirely fan-made, the video, description, and all. No attractions and/or lands have been confirmed yet. Universal states the following on the official website for the U.K. project:
“We recognise the tremendous excitement our developments bring; however, it is still too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. Should we secure the necessary planning approvals, we would confirm the exact details at a later stage.”
Back to the Future: The Ride Rumored To Return
Related: How a Jaws Ride Could Work at Universal Studios Great Britain
There are also rumors that the original ride is making a comeback, which would apparently involve re-theming Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Orlando Resort.
This would be similar to the planned (and confirmed) re-theme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. Next year, the long-standing attraction will be re-themed with a full Muppets makeover.
But here’s hoping we see a new Back to the Future attraction (preferably a themed land) built at Universal Studios Great Britain. And if not there, then perhaps at Epic Universe.
Either way, we’ll just have to wait for official word from Universal, because it’s not like we can just hop into a DeLorean and visit 2030 to find out. Sidenote: we wonder if we still need roads in 2031…
Back to the Future 40th Anniversary
It’s been 40 years since Back to the Future (1985)! To celebrate, Universal is re-releasing the film in theaters this October. Watch the new “40th Anniversary” trailer below:
Back to the Future releases in select theaters on October 31 in Dolby Cinema, 4DX and D-Box formats. The film is also getting a Steelbook 4K Blu-Ray Release on October 14.
Back to the Future stars Michael J Fox (Marty McFly), Christopher Lloyd (Doc Emmett Brown), Lea Thompson (Lorraine Baines-McFly), Crispin Glover (George McFly), Thomas F. Wilson (Biff Tannen), Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker), James Tolkan (Principal Strickland), Marc McClure (Dave McFly), and Wendie Jo Sperber (Linda McFly).
For more information about the Universal Studios U.K. project, visit the official website.
Do you want to see Back to the Future at Universal Studios Great Britain? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
