Universal ties events to film franchises

Themes of ‘Jurassic,’ ‘Dragon,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Future’ coming this summer

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Jurassic World — The Ride is part of its Mega Movie Summer series of events tied to new and classic films. David Crane — staff photographer

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“Jaws” turns 50 this year, so the park is bringing back its hanging shark photo op. Actors dressed as characters from the film will do meet-and-greets. Courtesy of Universal

The DeLorean from “Back to the Future” will be parked in front of Mel’s Diner, and the nearby Universal AMC Theatre will screen the 1985 film July 3. Courtesy of Universal

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By Brady MacDonald

bmacdonald@scng.com

Universal Studios Hollywood plans to roll out the red carpet for two new adventure films while celebrating anniversaries for a pair of cinematic classics with a movie festival this summer.

Universal Mega Movie Summer will kick off June 13 and run daily through Aug. 10 at the Hollywood theme park.

Mega Movie Summer brings together six film franchises familiar to any Universal fan — “Jaws,” “Back to the Future,” “Jurassic World,” “Fast & Furious,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Wicked.”

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’

Universal will make Jurassic World — The Ride even wetter this summer to promote “Jurassic World Rebirth,” hitting theaters July 2.

A new dinosaur from “Rebirth” will be added to the ride along with four new Spitter reptiles that promise to soak riders even more along the water ride journey.

Riders will hear the menacing roar of a mosasaurus just before descending the 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale.

Fans can pose for photos with a spinosaurus dinosaur and join a scavenger hunt with Compy the compsognathus.

Jurassic Cafe and Isla Nubar on the park’s Lower Lot will serve themed eats and drinks — including the Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise.

Voodoo Doughnut in the CityWalk shopping mall will offer Little Stepper and Big Stepper treats inspired by “Jurassic World Rebirth.”

‘How to Train Your Dragon’

A 24-foot Toothless dragon will land at Universal this summer in honor of the “How to Train Your Dragon” live action movie coming to theatres June 13.

Fans will be able to pose for photos in Universal Plaza with the 730-pound Night Fury dragon sculpture.

A nearby “How to Train Your Dragon” food cart will offer themed selections and souvenirs.

The new Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, is the world’s first “How to Train Your Dragon”-themed land.

How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk will feature a dual-launch roller coaster, twin thrill rides, a water-battle boat ride, a Broadway-style live show, a kids play structure, three eateries and a dragon meet-and-greet area.

‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary

Universal will bring back the iconic hanging shark photo op in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1975 movie “Jaws” — widely considered to be the first summer blockbuster.

Captain Quint and Chief Brody meet-and-greet characters from “Jaws” will be on hand to pose for photos with visitors.

A “Jaws” shark will be added to the Hollywood sign replica on the backlot Studio Tour that still features a stop at the Jaws Lake attraction.

The Hollywood & Dine restaurant on the park’s entry promenade will be transformed into the Amity Island Cafe during Universal Mega Movie Summer. Limited-time menu options will include the Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake and Shark Bite cocktail. Voodoo Doughnut in CityWalk will offer Doughnut Go in the Water doughnuts inspired by “Jaws.”

‘Back to the Future’ 40th anniversary

The DeLorean time machine from “Back to the Future” will be parked in front of Mel’s Diner on the theme park’s Upper Lot in honor of the 40th anniversary of the 1985 film.

Doc Brown and Marty McFly meet-and-greet characters along with Einstein the dog will be on hand to pose for photos with visitors. Mel’s Diner will serve a themed menu featuring the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Outatime Cookie and Time Traveler’s Milk Shake.

Universal AMC Theatre in CityWalk will have multiple screenings of “Back to the Future” on July 3 — the original release date for the film.

‘Wicked’

Universal wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to highlight its latest blockbuster set in the Land of Oz.

The original “Wicked” film grossed $755 million at the global box office, and the “Wicked: For Good” sequel will hit theaters Nov. 21.

Elphaba and Glinda meet-and-greet characters will be near the park entrance posing for photos throughout Mega Movie Summer.

Universal Creative has “secret plans” to bring the Land of Oz to life with theme park attractions based on “Wicked” that would let visitors skip down the Yellow Brick Road and step into the Emerald City, according to the New York Times.

‘Fast & Furious’

Universal will offer a sneak peek at one of the ride vehicles for the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster coming to the park in 2026.

The coaster car will be designed to look like Dominic Toretto’s signature 1970 Dodge Charger from the $7 billion film franchise.

The new “Fast & Furious” ride will feature 360-degree rotating coaster vehicles designed to look like drifting race cars.

Universal closed the Fast & Furious — Supercharged attraction in March, which had been part of the Studio Tour for the past decade.