Podcasts about Dark universe

On this episode of Bad Dads Film Review, the team reviews Abigail (2024) — a gleefully gory vampire horror-comedy from Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, starring Melissa Barrera, Alisha Weir, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, Giancarlo Esposito, and Matthew Goode.In this episodeWhy the poster and streaming artwork spoil the film's big vampire revealUniversal's monster-movie legacy, from the failed Dark Universe to The Invisible Man, Renfield, and AbigailThe heist-movie setup: anonymous criminals, Rat Pack aliases, a creepy manor, and a 24-hour ransom jobAbigail's Swan Lake opening and the early clue that she may not be as young as she looksThe crew: Joey, Frank, Sammy, Rickles, Peter, Dean, and LambertGiancarlo Esposito airport-chat, Terry Waite hostage tangent, and the inevitable Bad Dads detoursKristof Lazaar as the film's Keyser Söze figureDean's pantry death, the Valdez misdirection, and the vampire reveal everyone at home probably already knew was comingFailed vampire defences: holy water, crucifixes, garlic/onions, stakes, sunlight, and general criminal incompetenceThe corpse pool, puppet-dancing, flying vampires, exploding bodies, and the increasingly messy final actDan Stevens as Frank, Alisha Weir's excellent monster-child performance, and Melissa Barrera grounding the whole thing as JoeyParent-child horror: Joey's absent-mother guilt versus Abigail's desperate need for her father's attentionBad Dads consensusSidey: Strong recommend — enjoyed the daftness, gore, performances, and vampire lore playDan: Strong recommend — expected something scarier, but found it funny, silly, and much more enjoyable than fearedReegs: Positive overall — liked the craft and cast, compared it to From Dusk Till Dawn, but felt the ending dragged and got messyCris: Not a recommend — thought it was too long, not funny enough, and stranded between comedy, horror, and thrillerFinal takeAbigail works best as a polished, knowingly ridiculous locked-house monster movie: criminals in a mansion, vampire ballerina on the loose, and enough exploding blood to repaint a stately home. It is not subtle, and the ending overstays its welcome, but for most of the dads the cast and energy carry it.You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out!We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

Join Club 32 Help us to fund & grow the show by becoming part of Club 32! You'll get more additional content, CTM Apparel discounts, 1901 Candle Company discounts, private Facebook Group, private podcast & more! - head to ctmvip.com CTM Apparel Get the best Disney, Universal and/or Pop Culture apparel that is hand made in our shop - shop at ctmshirts.com Subscribe To The Show & Leave Us A Review Apple Podcasts - Click Here Stitcher - Click Here Spotify - Click Here Follow Us on Social Media CTM Facebook Group: @capthemagic Twitter: @capthemagic Instagram: @capthemagic Visit Us Online Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Capture the Magic Podcast – find the latest episodes! Capture The Magic Apparel – you can find a great Disney-inspired t-shirt collection! Join Club 32! Our private group with access to exclusive livestreams, podcasts, and MORE! Visit ctmvip.com Our Sponsors Zip Travel - visit travelwithzip.com to see how they can help you have the vacation of a lifetime! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Len Testa and Jim Hill recap a busy week in the parks, from the debut of Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience to Universal's latest expansion rumors. They also dive deep into Disney's surprise announcement that Carousel of Progress will receive its most significant overhaul in decades, including new scenes, new narration, and a fresh look at the future. Along the way, Jim shares the attraction's fascinating history, from its roots in Edison Square to its journey through the 1964 World's Fair and beyond. NEWS • Len shares his experience aboard the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring new Mandalorian and Grogu story elements. • Bluey officially arrives at Disney's Animal Kingdom, drawing massive opening-day crowds and virtual queue demand. • Disney announces a major reimagining of Carousel of Progress, with new time periods and an all-new future scene. • Universal removes Express Pass access from Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure beginning July 1. • New permits and construction activity hint at future expansions for Dark Universe and the Wizarding World at Epic Universe. FEATURE • The surprising origins of Carousel of Progress and Disney's abandoned Edison Square concept. • How General Electric helped transform the attraction from a Disneyland proposal into a 1964 World's Fair centerpiece. • The attraction's move from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and the evolution of its story over six decades. • Why Disney's latest update may secure Carousel of Progress as a Magic Kingdom staple for generations to come. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.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 UnlockedMagic.com - https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill recap a busy week in the parks, from the debut of Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience to Universal's latest expansion rumors. They also dive deep into Disney's surprise announcement that Carousel of Progress will receive its most significant overhaul in decades, including new scenes, new narration, and a fresh look at the future. Along the way, Jim shares the attraction's fascinating history, from its roots in Edison Square to its journey through the 1964 World's Fair and beyond. NEWS • Len shares his experience aboard the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring new Mandalorian and Grogu story elements. • Bluey officially arrives at Disney's Animal Kingdom, drawing massive opening-day crowds and virtual queue demand. • Disney announces a major reimagining of Carousel of Progress, with new time periods and an all-new future scene. • Universal removes Express Pass access from Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure beginning July 1. • New permits and construction activity hint at future expansions for Dark Universe and the Wizarding World at Epic Universe. FEATURE • The surprising origins of Carousel of Progress and Disney's abandoned Edison Square concept. • How General Electric helped transform the attraction from a Disneyland proposal into a 1964 World's Fair centerpiece. • The attraction's move from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and the evolution of its story over six decades. • Why Disney's latest update may secure Carousel of Progress as a Magic Kingdom staple for generations to come. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.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 UnlockedMagic.com - https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As War of the Worlds production continues through some unfortunate delays, we're pulling a recent bonus episode out from behind the paywall to help tide you over. Enjoy Studio Mandate pitches based on Phantom of the Paradise (featuring Carol and Jenny from the Dark Universe!) and Killer Klowns from Outer Space (featuring the star-crossed warriors from Last Flight of the Stone Hammer). Plus, reviews of a few spring movie releases and a look back at Billy Wilder's 1960 classic, The Apartment.CHAPTERS00:00:00 - War of the Worlds progress update00:01:11 - Intro and Bev Check00:05:13 - Dalton's bachelor trip00:12:57 - At Da Movies: They Will Kill You00:13:54 - At Da Movies: Faces of Death00:23:08 - At Da Movies: The Drama00:27:20 - At Da Movies: Project Hail Mary00:37:49 - Studio Mandate: Phantom of the Paradise00:48:20 - The Pitch01:07:07 - The Dylterion Collection: The Apartment01:18:19 - Studio Mandate: Killer Klowns from Outer Space01:37:07 - Nominations are open!

Internet sleuths just pulled permits for a brand new building in the Dark Universe portal at Epic Universe. Building 1570. Area 680. Listed as a special project. And the building numbers line up with exactly the kind of show building you'd need for a new attraction. Mike and EB have a theory about what it is — and it involves a glass bottom boat, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and an idea that Coaster Radio listeners actually designed in a Real Design Contest years ago. If Universal puts a Coaster Radio t-shirt on one of the bodies in that ride, that's all the confirmation the show needs. Before the speculation though — Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has been removed from Universal Express. The longest line at Epic Universe is now a standby-only experience, and the people paying for Express Pass are not happy about it. Nate Bargatze wants to build a theme park based on his own life in Nashville and EB has thoughts. And RMC's Wild Moose prototype track has appeared at their Idaho headquarters, with the most interesting theory being that it could go indoors at Kentucky Kingdom in the space that used to hold a Schwarzkopf coaster. Then in the second half — the interactive question that started with Verbolten's new overlay at Busch Gardens Williamsburg produces one of the best listener response segments of the season. Rides that could use a refresh. Listeners suggest Journey to Atlantis, Men in Black Alien Attack, Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom, Flight of Fear, Big Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Test Track, and the entire frontier area at Cedar Point. Mike and EB debate each one — and somewhere in the Men in Black discussion, EB invents what might be the greatest unused attraction concept in Universal history. Also — EB is going to Kentucky Kingdom on June 10th, there are collectible pins being considered, and the show closes with a detailed discussion of the 1997 horror film Wishmaster that you absolutely did not see coming. Stay through the Patreon section. You'll understand why.

Epic Universe is here and it is a lot to take in. In this episode we are breaking down everything you need to know before you visit Universal's newest theme park. We walk through all five worlds, Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, and Super Nintendo World. You will hear what rides to prioritize, which ones to save for later in the day, where to eat in each land, and how to structure your day whether you have early park admission or not. We also cover Express Pass, the newer Universal Express Now option, and the nighttime experience in the park, because Epic Universe after dark is something worth staying for. If you are thinking about adding Universal to your family's travel plans, this episode is your starting point.  

Continuing our Dark Journey through the Dark Universe, we come across Leigh Whannell’s Wolf Man (2025), a tragic horror tale (tail?) of a man wronged by a wolf man. Does Leigh Whannell’s streak of perfectly adapted, nuanced horror films based on Universal’s monster catalog continue? Find out right here on Zero Credit(s).

La suite des aventures d'Alain en Floride nous emmène à Epic Universe, le nouveau parc Universal Orlando, pour découvrir deux lands très attendus : Dark Universe, inspiré des monstres classiques Universal, et The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, entre Paris magique des années 1920 et Ministère de la Magie.Au programme : ambiance, premières impressions, détails immersifs et conseils pour mieux préparer votre visite.Que vous soyez fan de parcs à thème, de Harry Potter ou simplement curieux de découvrir Epic Universe, embarquez avec GO WDW !Retrouvez nous aussi sur:FacebookInstagramYouTubeDiscordNous soutenir

This week we unearth one last sarcophagus and this one features Tom Cruise and the attempt to create a Dark Universe with The Mummy from 2017. Journey with us as we discuss this wild attempt to create a cinematic universe built all around the Universal Monsters. We detail this troubled production and all the future plans that never came to be. Is this a misunderstood film or were they just in cancelling this universe when it barely got started? So pour some rye, grab your Mr. Hyde potion, and get ready to run alongside Tom Cruise and the Mummy. Cheers!

Wir waren sehr viel im Kino, deshalb dreht sich die aktuelle Folge nahezu komplett um #gehtinskino ...(00:00:22) Wir spielen THE CHANGELING (1980) bei den kommenden Thursday Nightmares(00:03:59) Ein paar Gedanken zu BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985) auf großer Leinwand [Prime, AppleTV](00:08:41) Kann LEE CRONIN´S THE MUMMY (2026) das Dark Universe retten? [Kino](00:26:14) Ultrageiler Hongkong-Action-Kracher: THE FURIOUS (2026) [ab dem 18.06. im Kino](00:41:41) Endlich hat auch Manu AMERICAN SWEATSHOP (2025) im [Kino] geschaut(00:48:56) Ist APEX (2026) mit Charlize Theron endlich wieder ein guter [Netflix] Film?(00:56:55) Patreon-Pick: MÖDERSPINNEN aka KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS (1977) [nur US: kanopy]Viel Vergnügen!THURSDAY NIGHTMARES: https://www.kinopolis.de/bn/events/detail/thursday-nightmares-filme-+-talk/5688Wir freuen uns über Unterstützung: Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/filmfressen Paypal - kontakt@filmfressen.de Merch - https://www.shirtee.com/de/catalogsearch/result/?q=filmfressen Feedback und Koop-Anfragen: kontakt@filmfressen.de Filmfressen auf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Filmfressen-904074306371921/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmfressen Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/ManuFilmfressen Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/PeterFilmfresse Cineviel: https://podriders.de/podcast/cine-viel-podcast

Universal just changed the game, but is it all sunshine and Stardust Racers? Manny and Shawn just got back from Epic Universe and they aren't holding back. From the absolute chaos of the Donkey Kong Mine Cart to the mind-blowing tech inside Dark Universe, we're breaking down what's a "Must-Do" and what's a "Hard Pass." Plus, find out why Monsters Unchained might be the best ride ever built—and why your hotel choice matters more than you think. Listen now and join the conversation!

On this episode we rate Epic Universe Dark Universe on 4 topics : Rides, Shows and Live Entertainment, Food and Drink and Ambience. Join us in The Producers Club Follow us: LINKTREE   

Planning a trip to Epic Universe and wondering what's actually worth eating? We've got you covered!In this episode of Mom Street U.S.A., we're breaking down the BEST food at Epic Universe—from Super Nintendo World to Isle of Berk, Darkmoor, and Celestial Park. Whether you're traveling with picky eaters, kids, or just want to make sure you don't waste money on disappointing meals, this guide will help you plan exactly where to eat.We're sharing our personal favorites, honest reviews, and a few highly recommended must-tries (plus a couple things you might want to skip).In this episode, we cover:-Super Nintendo World eats (Toadstool Cafe & more)-Dark Universe dining + drinks at Burning Blade Tavern-MUST-TRY snacks in Isle of Berk (yes… the mac & cheese cones)-Celestial Park favorites like Blue Dragon & Pizza Moon-Best quick bites, drinks, and hidden gems across the park-Tips for picky eaters & familiesIf you're heading to Epic Universe soon, this episode will help you eat smarter, save money, and find the most fun (and delicious) options in every portal.Watch Mom Street USA LIVE on YouTube every FRIDAY at 12pm est!Join us now on our Patreon account: https://patreon.com/MomStreetUSACheck out our partnership with Kingdom Strollers here: https://fas.st/t/jLDXEFpD Find more on MOWD here: https://mowd.io/ Have a question or have a future show topic recommendation? Chat with us on Patreon or email us @ momstreetusa@gmail.com!⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/momstreetusa#EpicUniverse #UniversalOrlando #ThemeParkFood #FamilyTravel #DisneyMom #UniversalTips #ThemeParkEats #MomStreetUSA

remember the Dark Universe? ►Follow James! https://x.com/JamesPPoole Check out our patreon: www.patreon.com/thewafflepresspodcast ►SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thewafflepress/ ►Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wn6x2sfn6eCmg1MYDUW45?si=sXcDY8xsSrqLYvnGu3vVOg&dl_branch=1 ►iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-waffle-press-podcast/id1265467358?mt=2 ►Max: https://x.com/ODSTSpartan ►Gene: https://twitter.com/gene9892 https://bsky.app/profile/gene9892.bsky.social ►Diego: https://twitter.com/thediegocrespo https://bsky.app/profile/diegocrespo.bsky.social ►The Waffle Press: https://twitter.com/TheWafflePress

Ni år har gått siden forrige forsøk på å blåse liv i mumien på blockbuster-nivå – ja, vi ser på deg, The Mummy. Filmen som skulle kickstarte Universal sitt såkalte Dark Universe endte i stedet med å begrave hele prosjektet – ikke helt ulikt mumien selv. Nå er det Lee Cronin sin tur til å grave opp det klassiske monsteret… og gi det en ganske annen behandling. Åtte år etter at Katie forsvinner i Kairo, dukker hun plutselig opp igjen – i en sarkofag. Hun flytter hjem til familien i håp om å legge traumene bak seg, men det blir fort tydelig at noe er veldig, veldig galt. Det som skulle vært en etterlengtet gjenforening, utvikler seg raskt til et klaustrofobisk mareritt. Med: Chris og KurtVignett fremført av: Filmjunkiene v/Ivar Nikolai Fallet og Aleksander U. Serigstad

Is it really happening? Will an open hub come to Epic Universe, or are they just preparing for Virtual Line at the worlds of the park ahead of expanding park capacity to include annual passes? Alicia and Ian discuss their theories, as well as what ride expansion may be next after Potter, recent news, and more! Related Links Recent Video Update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh02LCUaZno Orlando Business Journal Story: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/07/universal-orlando-land-epic-city-walk-development.html Thumbnail Photo by: @Florida_Coasters_1 Alicia Social Links: https://alicia.socialSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStopSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThemeParkStop

The Dark Universe may be on life support, but Jamie and Jeff are here with the defibrillator. Episode 3 of Sequel House tackles "Return of the Invisible Woman" — an unofficial sequel to Leigh Whannell's 2020 thriller The Invisible Man. The co-hosts break down what made the original work, pitch their vision for a follow-up, and workshop what a revived Universal monster universe could actually look like. Can the Dark Universe rise again? Tune in and decide for yourself.

Hey Disney Geeks! Curtis Stone here, host of the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast. This week's episode is one of those conversations that perfectly captures what this community is all about… Friends Laughter Disney magic And a little bit of… EPIC adventure I'm joined by Samantha and Deirdre to recap an incredible trip that started with a Geek meetup at Walt Disney World… …and then turned into something even bigger— A deep dive into Universal's brand-new Epic Universe From scavenger hunts and pin trading “nerd events”…To unforgettable meals, hilarious moments, and surprising favorites… This episode is packed with stories, laughs, and insights you're going to love. Travelin' Tiaras Promo Thinking about planning your next Disney or Universal adventure? Let Margita and the Travelin' Tiaras team help you create a truly magical trip—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Disney pro. Reach out at: travelintiaras@gmail.com Already booked your trip? You can still transfer your reservation and get expert help at no extra cost! Featuring in This Episode Resorts & Stay Highlights Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort (2-Bedroom Villa – The Paddock) Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Universal's Stella Nova Resort (Epic Universe) Dining & Food Highlights Topolino's Terrace (including that amazing sole dish) Hollywood Brown Derby (last-minute group lunch win!) Four Seasons Orlando (Lobby Bar + Epilogue night vibes) Animal Kingdom's viral Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich Epic Universe: Bar Helios (incredible views + light show) Atlantic Restaurant (fountain dining experience) Burning Blade Tavern (and lots of “improvement ideas” ) Experiences & Highlights Dan Robinson's EPIC scavenger hunt Pin trading “nerd event” at Coronado Springs Game night with Michigan Rummy (played with M&Ms!) Community moments with friends (and meeting the twins ) Epic Universe Deep Dive Wizarding World (Ministry of Magic + insane queue detail) How to Train Your Dragon land (unexpected favorite!) Toothless meet-and-greet Dark Universe monsters + Burning Blade Tavern Super Nintendo World (Mario Kart + Donkey Kong coaster) Memorable Moments “I don't like gambling… I just gamble with Disney pins.” The 50's Prime Time Café green bean incident (yes… it happened twice ) Late-night champagne after Epilogue Sitting in a bar at Epic Universe… “We just spent two hours criticizing everything—and it was the highlight of our day.” Key Takeaways Epic Universe is next-level immersive, especially in theming and scale Express Pass is almost a must if you want to maximize your time Disney still has that intangible magic that's hard to replicate The real highlight? Time spent with friends and this amazing Geekin' community Shout Out & Wrap Up Huge thanks to Samantha and Deirdre for coming on and sharing their trip! These are the kinds of episodes that remind me why I love doing this podcast… It's not just about rides, food, or even the parks— It's about the people. Support the Show If you love the podcast and want to support what we do: Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Listen Anywhere Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listen.The post Disney Meets Universal With Sam and Deirdre – Ep 664 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

Forget everything you know about the "Dark Universe"—Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) is bringing us a version of The Mummy that is pure, unadulterated horror. This isn't an adventure romp; it's a claustrophobic, terrifying descent into ancient malice. We discuss if Cronin's signature "family horror" style works for this legendary monster.Fun Flix Fact: Lee Cronin is a stickler for practical effects. For the "sandstorm" sequences, the production reportedly used over 20 tonnes of dyed walnut shells instead of CGI to ensure the actors were actually struggling to breathe and move on camera. It gives the film a gritty, "in-your-teeth" texture you just can't fake!Next, we're shifting gears to the London-set heist thriller Fuze. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, the film follows a daring robbery that takes place during the chaos of a real-life unexploded World War II bomb discovery.Fun Flix Fact: Director David Mackenzie reunited with his Outlaw King lead, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, for this project. Mackenzie is a master of building slow-burn tension, and he used the "emptied" streets of London to create a strangely eerie, post-apocalyptic vibe for the heist.Production Trivia: The "bomb" used in the film was a meticulously detailed replica of a 500kg German SC500 bomb. The prop was so realistic that the production team had to keep it covered with tarps whenever they weren't filming to avoid causing a genuine public panic!To celebrate a decade of occult excellence, we're revisiting the 2016 Irish horror masterpiece A Dark Song. This isn't your typical "jump scare" movie; it's a grueling, slow-burn ritual that explores the absolute limits of human grief.Fun Flix Fact: The film was shot in a real, isolated country house in County Wicklow, Ireland. To keep the atmosphere authentic, the actors remained mostly isolated on-site throughout the shoot, mirroring the "sealing of the house" that takes place in the film.And if that's not enough entertainment for you, we've even thrown in new trailers to watch and what you can catch on streaming. Press play for the friendliest film discussions this side of Hollywood! It's all the movies you love, the facts you need, and the banter you crave.Don't miss a single review! Hit that Subscribe button, tell a friend, and join The Flixters family!00:00 Intro 2:01 Shoutouts4:49 Movie News10:48 New on Streaming14:16 New Trailers25:16 Anniversary Corner27:21 Lee Cronin's The Mummy Review40:22 Fuze Review50:20 OutroThis episode is proudly sponsored by Zencastr. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Send us Fan MailCLICK HERE for links to my quote forms so we can start planning your next vacation! 2027 Walt Disney World vacation packages are open for booking!We share an honest first visit to Universal's Epic Universe, from jaw-dropping portals and standout rides to the operational issues that turned simple plans into marathon waits. We leave you with clear, practical advice on Express Pass, timing, and who this park fits best right now. • Epic Universe layout in Celestial Park plus four immersive portals • Quick tour of Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World • Where we stayed and what the drive feels like from other Universal resorts • Early entry strategy, security lines, and the morning rush to Nintendo • Best moments in Super Nintendo World, including Mario Kart and character sightings • Why the Ministry of Magic ride is a must for Harry Potter fans • Stardust Racers intensity and why the ride mix skews older • Express Pass pricing realities and how it changes the day • Extreme standby waits and how Express Pass is prioritized • Inaccurate wait times, ride downtime, and app frustrations • Areas that feel rushed or unfinished, including missing entertainment • Heat, lack of shade, and outdoor queue comfort tips • Who should visit now vs who should wait Okay, but before we get into that, please make sure you're subscribed to the show so you never miss a new episode. And if you are enjoying the show, I would love it if you left a positive review on Apple Podcast. And also share the show with any of your Disney loving friends. I would love to know if you have been to Epic Universe, if you've been, you know, your thoughts on it, what was it like? So you can send me an email, you can send me a message. There is a link in the show notes to follow all of that. Don't forget, I have a new podcast called Our Adventure Book that has come out. I would love for you to listen to it. If you want to watch on video, you can head over to YouTube and we are on video over there.

The Dark Universe! Just the mention of this storied franchise stirs the soul of every cinephile, bringing back memories of 2017's 'The Mummy' and... um... actually it was just 2017's 'The Mummy', wasn't it? And to find out why, give this episode a spin and discover the history of the cinematic universe that wasn't and all the reasons behind its failure.

Alicia and Ian share their thoughts on Lost Continent demolition finally starting soon, a permit for a new attraction at Epic Universe, what's being built behind I-Drive, and changes coming to CityWalk. Related Links Recent Look at 90-Acre Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gklNoBZDlfk Shane Winston Reports: https://x.com/ShaneWinReports Theme Park Wizard: https://x.com/ParkWizar1 Person Filming Behind Mythos: https://x.com/DuelingParkNews/status/2036506900418683349?s=20 Alicia Social Links: https://alicia.socialSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStopSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThemeParkStop

A new era begins on our bonus pod, Are You Afraid of Dylan & Dalton? in which Patrons get more control over what movies we watch and what stories we tell!This month, we are pitching a Dark Universe horror movie version of THE BOSS BABY. That's right, the Patrons have spoken and the very first movie elected to the Studio Mandate queue is the Dreamworks animated feature in which Alec Baldwin plays a newborn baby who means business.You can help select our next Studio Mandate by joining the Patreon! $25/mo subscribers get to nominate a movie every month, and those nominees get voted on by all subscribers at the $8/mo level or higher. And of course, all paid subscribers get to listen to the results. Nominations for next month's Mandate open RIGHT NOW, so if you're a Studio Executive subscriber, hit us up via DM on Patreon or Discord and we'll put your choice on the ballot.

Tonight, Mike is joined by Jeff DePaoli, the founder and producer of Wicked New England!Wicked NE is a Halfway to Halloween Festival celebrating Halloween offerings throughout New England, including spooky vendors, stage presentations by local haunts (including Barrett's Haunted Mansion), photo ops, monsters and much, much more.Wicked New England takes place at Old Town Hall in Salem, MA on Sunday, 4/19. Tickets can be purchased on their website.Also discussed: the differences between HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS on both coasts, KNOTT'S SCARY FARM, DARK UNIVERSE at Universal's Epic Universe, SCREAM 7, and interviewing RL STINE!#wickednewengland #wickedne #halfwaytohalloween #halfwaytohalloweenfestival #halloweenne #halloweennewengland #witchcity #salemma #barrettshauntedmansion #hhn #darkuniverse #epicuniverse #scream7 #horrorpodcast #horrorfactsdotcom #fangoria #fango #ahhpod #americashometownhorror #plymouthmaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/america-s-hometown-horror--4187035/support.Support the Show:FANGORIA: We are a proud affiliate of Fangoria! Visit the Fangoria Shop and use code HOMETOWNHORRORPOD for an exclusive 20% discount on mags and merch.HORROR FACTS: Check out more in-depth reviews and horror news at HorrorFacts.com.SUPPORT US: Love the show? Become a supporter on Spreaker to help us keep the lights on.All Music, Sound Editing & Audio Production by Shaun O'Loughlin of Sky Wheel Media.

This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar bring a travel-heavy, tech-friendly episode that starts with a massive field report from Epic Universe in Orlando and ends with a handful of clever tech and gaming stories. The big headline is simple: if you've been wondering whether Epic Universe is worth the hype, this episode gives you a real user's perspective instead of polished marketing copy.  Sorg and Katie spend a big chunk of the episode walking through their experience at Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure. They talk strategy for entering the park without early-access privileges, how they navigated long waits, why some online advice helped and some of it only created anxiety, and which lands felt the most immersive. Their coverage includes Dark Universe, Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and the How to Train Your Dragon area, which may have stolen the show. Food gets plenty of love too, with shoutouts to the butterbeer crepe, mac-and-cheese cone, and Toadstool Cafe.    They also compare Universal's newest park design choices with Disney's standards, especially when it comes to ride throughput, theming detail, and visible wear-and-tear. Later, the conversation expands to Islands of Adventure, where they touch on the nostalgia of Toon Lagoon, the legal oddity of the Marvel section, and the thrills of Hagrid's and Velocicoaster.  Dave Podnar keeps things lighter with his Awesome Thing of the Week: the new McDonald's Happy Meal Crocs. Tiny? Yes. Silly? Absolutely. Weirdly great? Also yes. The team has fun showing off the miniature details, “sport mode,” and QR-game tie-in.  Then comes Chachi Says Video Game Minute, which this week covers a Mario gathering in New York that won't count as a record because Guinness wasn't notified, updated PEGI rating guidance for paid random-item mechanics and blockchain-related content, and a SAG-AFTRA move against Capcom over union protections tied to Mega Man voice work.  The episode also includes a smart Women's History Month spotlight on Hedy Lamarr, with Dave explaining how her work on frequency-hopping communication connects to the foundations of Wi-Fi and wireless communication. It's a great reminder that tech history is full of people whose contributions weren't fully recognized in their own time.  Rounding things out, the crew talks about seeing LEGO smart blocks at Disney Springs, a Switch 2 update that boosts original Switch games in handheld mode, and Payphone Go, a California-only game that turned public payphones into a live scavenger hunt. It's a very AwesomeCast mix: theme parks, gadgets, gaming, weird internet projects, and a little tech history all in one place. 

In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey speaks with Greg Hall from Universal Creative and Max MacEwan from Framestore about the creation of Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe. Inspired by the legacy of Universal Monsters, they explore how storytelling, technology, and psychology come together to create a thrilling yet re-rideable attraction. The conversation highlights the importance of anticipation, immersive queue design, creative collaboration, and balancing innovation with guest experience. Key Topics Discussed Creating Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe Reimagining Universal Monsters for a modern audience Designing immersive queues and building anticipation Balancing storytelling with new technology Collaboration between Universal Creative and Framestore Using cinema techniques in attraction design Guest psychology and re-rideable thrill experiences The role of experimentation and creative risk in theme park design     Maximilian Guy McNair MacEwan, Head of Strategic Partnerships - Immersive of Framestore https://www.framestore.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilian-guy-mcnair-macewan-64809824/   Gregory Hall, Assistant Director, Creative Design of Universal Creative https://linktr.ee/universalcreative https://www.linkedin.com/in/gprodigy/   Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Credits: Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster) Edited by Steve Folland Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here

This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar bring a travel-heavy, tech-friendly episode that starts with a massive field report from Epic Universe in Orlando and ends with a handful of clever tech and gaming stories. The big headline is simple: if you've been wondering whether Epic Universe is worth the hype, this episode gives you a real user's perspective instead of polished marketing copy.  Sorg and Katie spend a big chunk of the episode walking through their experience at Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure. They talk strategy for entering the park without early-access privileges, how they navigated long waits, why some online advice helped and some of it only created anxiety, and which lands felt the most immersive. Their coverage includes Dark Universe, Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and the How to Train Your Dragon area, which may have stolen the show. Food gets plenty of love too, with shoutouts to the butterbeer crepe, mac-and-cheese cone, and Toadstool Cafe.    They also compare Universal's newest park design choices with Disney's standards, especially when it comes to ride throughput, theming detail, and visible wear-and-tear. Later, the conversation expands to Islands of Adventure, where they touch on the nostalgia of Toon Lagoon, the legal oddity of the Marvel section, and the thrills of Hagrid's and Velocicoaster.  Dave Podnar keeps things lighter with his Awesome Thing of the Week: the new McDonald's Happy Meal Crocs. Tiny? Yes. Silly? Absolutely. Weirdly great? Also yes. The team has fun showing off the miniature details, “sport mode,” and QR-game tie-in.  Then comes Chachi Says Video Game Minute, which this week covers a Mario gathering in New York that won't count as a record because Guinness wasn't notified, updated PEGI rating guidance for paid random-item mechanics and blockchain-related content, and a SAG-AFTRA move against Capcom over union protections tied to Mega Man voice work.  The episode also includes a smart Women's History Month spotlight on Hedy Lamarr, with Dave explaining how her work on frequency-hopping communication connects to the foundations of Wi-Fi and wireless communication. It's a great reminder that tech history is full of people whose contributions weren't fully recognized in their own time.  Rounding things out, the crew talks about seeing LEGO smart blocks at Disney Springs, a Switch 2 update that boosts original Switch games in handheld mode, and Payphone Go, a California-only game that turned public payphones into a live scavenger hunt. It's a very AwesomeCast mix: theme parks, gadgets, gaming, weird internet projects, and a little tech history all in one place. 

What are the main candidates for dark matter? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice sit down with theoretical physicist Katherine Freese to tackle fan questions about dark matter, dark energy, and the dark universe at large. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:  https://startalkmedia.com/show/dark-universe-decoded-with-katherine-freese/ Thanks to our Patrons Yasin Hasbay, Joe Hudson, Marcelo Morales, Jeffrey C, Quentin Kelly, Mark Hobden, Shawnie Brisbois, Nathan Williams, Christian Etel, Adam, Andrew Foss, Christopher Lauer, Mike Smith, Gloria Goungo, Dennis Poggenburg, Wild Cat93, Tilly, Alon Gutman, Philip Sun, Dave Mulder, Neil Cameron, CuriousHairlessApe, Not Pensive, Thanh Ho, Aaron, Amy, Brandon Rhodes, Jeffrey Otterman, Space Hendrix, Mango, Yoni, Christopher, Cody Motycka, James Astley, Ryan Dimery-Seek, Alec Scott, Joshua Dobelstein, JP, D.K. Mola, Matt Sumner, Jordan Smith, Case Torres, Tiffany Jones, Josh Middleton, Christopher Crain, Abdul Sudi, Quyen Nguyen, Rahul Varma Sikinam, Nathaniel Gonzalez, Jonathan Negron, Adam Bauman, Sean McAll, Taylor, Lora White, CrunchySciFry, Robby Satterfield, James Simpson, Samantha Kasper, Isahn Mejia, Cameron Smith, Ray Nobleza, Mike Gibbs, Paul Stumbo, Ruben Wilberg, Anish Dube, Manolis Sensi, Arnab Deka, Rich, 4d916, Oon Thian Seng, Temo Chavchanidze, Vikas Rawat, Korin, Gene Hannon, Edward Marwood, Catherine Fiala, Matt F, Elijah Flippin, Bharath Kumar, Tuyaa, Furry Combat Wombat, Lexi Chivers, Vincent Franchino, R Tillery, Matthew Pitts, GAME MASTER, Lawrey, Chris Fro, Adam, Diesel Haphazard, Anthony Calomeni, Mike G., Victor Acevedo, David Wall, Jaime Rivera, Reginald Hill, Devin Jansen, Tushar Vashisht, Lisa Mc Guire, and Ian for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Big Bang is an explanation for the origin of the universe that denies that God had any involvement.  However, to make what we observe in the universe and what we assume the results of the Big Bang should be, Dark Matter and Dark Energy must be proposed.  This program discusses the "Dark Universe."  

Welcome to a salute to Dark Universe, but mostly Ygor. In today's episode of the Epic Universe Saga, Jasmine and Michelle explore Dark Universe, aka Monster Land, aka Monsters University. Join us as we explore the campiest land in all of Universal Resort. Support the show

Continuing our coverage of the Dark Universe, we veer off the road into a helicopter and tackle two burly men who eat Steroid Pancakes for breakfast. Yes, this has nothing to do with the Dark Universe, nor does it have anything to do with the FFCU. Instead, enjoy Henry and John day tripping off to Hawaii to talk about their daddy issues. Will James and Jonny Hale bring the promised buddy cop comedy drama, or does the whole island sort of just fall short? Find out right now, on Zero Credit(s).

Grimmlife Collective is a horror and true-crime travel channel hosted by Michael and Jessica Kolence, known for exploring filming locations, cemeteries, abandoned sites, and dark history locations across the world. Their work blends on-location storytelling, horror fandom, and documentary-style deep dives into the strange and macabre.From traveling Europe and Disney cruises to abandoned videos, fear of flying, prophetic dreams, and night terrors. We talk Dark Universe, react to the Scream 7 release and trailer, get into horror sequels and fan theories, and why trailers are ruining movies. We get into the real exorcism of Anneliese Michel, listening to the tapes, covering Ted Bundy, being contacted by victims of cold cases, and why we're fascinated with the morbid in the first place.Michael and Jessica open up about convention politics, celebrities who don't care, the horror industry being highly competitive and cliquish, navigating social media hate, insecurities on camera, and why they stopped daily vlogs. We also get into aliens, Bigfoot, Area 51, conspiracy theories, world-ending scenarios, and the strange psychology behind negativity in the YouTube community.—Subscribe: youtube.com/@TalksFromTheCryptFollow On Social Media –Talks From The Crypt: https://instagram.com/talksfromthecrypthttps://talksfromthecrypt.com Grimmlife Collective: https://instagram.com/grimmlifecollectivehttps://grimmlifecollective.com Jessica Kolence: https://instagram.com/witchydamehttps://www.youtube.com/BabyGhoulAsmr—00:00:00 – Intro00:00:57 – Traveling the World: Europe, Disney Cruises, Abandoned Videos, Living Life Through A Lens00:06:21 – Dark Universe, Movie Trailers, Bone Temple, Scream 7 Teaser Reaction, Scream Fan Theories, Sequels and Remakes00:16:29 – Vegas and LA Tear Everything Down, Embracing History, Fear of Flying, Prophetic Dreams, and Night Terrors00:26:59 – Conventions/Signings, Celebrities That Don't Care and Bad Experiences With Them, Being In a Bad Mood While Signing00:37:00 – Horror Fans Are Great, But the Horror Industry is HIGHLY Politicized and Competitive. Not Letting the Professional Side Override the Fan Side.00:44:50 – Navigating Social Media, Creativity, Still Getting Nervous, Jessica Starting Her Own Channel, Why They Stopped Vlogs, and Insecurities00:58:56 – Area 51 Skit, Believing In Aliens, The Pyramids, Big Foot, Loch Ness Monster, Unannounced Projects01:11:27 – The Real Exorcism of Anneliese Michel, Listening to the Exorcism Tapes01:28:08 – Covering True Crime, Ted Bundy, Getting Contacted By Victims of Cold Cases, Sleepy Hollow01:38:58 – Why Are We Fascinated With Morbid Subjects?01:45:00 – Addressing the Haters in the Comment Section, Engaging With Fans, Pet Peeves of the "YouTube Community"02:00:00 – Adam the Woo's Passing, Telling People You Care, Staying Positive, Separating Work Life From Personal Life02:09:50 – World Ending Conspiracies02:20:14 – Anticipated Films of 2026, Going to the Movies, Theater Etiquette, Who Still Watches 3D02:29:33 – TFTC Poster, Grimmlife Socials, and Outro—Copyright Disclaimer (Fair Use Notice):Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright law that might otherwise be infringing. All media used in this video are for the purpose of commentary, analysis, and education under fair use.

Continuing our coverage of the Dark Universe, we dive head first into the Mummy (2017) with Tom Cruise, Jake Johnson, and others. Will we unwrap the mysteries of why this movie failed to launch the Dark Universe proper, or fall victim of the Mummy’s curse and have to kiss her? Is Tom Cruise or Russell Crowe the better actor? All of these questions and more considered, right here on Zero Credit(s).

Director Guillermo del Toro has been making movies about monsters his entire career, from Mimic to Hellboy to Pan's Labyrinth to The Shape of Water. His most recent film, an adaptation of Mary Shelley's ultimate monster story from 1818, is the culmination of del Toro's long-held dream to breathe new life into his favorite novel and film subject. Drawing inspiration from John Milton, Bernie Wrightson's classic designs, and the Hammer Horror films, del Toro was ready to throw the switch on the project with Universal Pictures, until the studio's "Dark Universe" project proved dead on arrival. Now, at Netflix, del Toro's creature feature is alive… ALIVE!... once more. Starring Oscar Issac as the doctor and Jacob Elordi as the creature, the film includes Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Charles Dance, and Lars Mikkelsen, and it was recently nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. But does this reanimated cinematic assemblage deserve to walk the halls of streaming entertainment? Or is it more "ponderous" than "pondersome," leaving us reaching for the Off switch on the remote? Join us as we meet Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein!   For more geeky podcasts visit GonnaGeek.com    You can find us on iTunes under ''Legends Podcast''. Please subscribe and give us a positive review. You can also follow us on Twitter @LegendsPodcast or even better, send us an e-mail: LegendsPodcastS@gmail.com    You can write to Rum Daddy directly: rumdaddylegends@gmail.com    You can find all our contact information here on the Network page of GonnaGeek.com Our complete archive is always available at www.legendspodcast.com, www.legendspodcast.libsyn.com    Show Music:Danger Storm by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scientists head to the volcanic fields of Iceland to test instruments for the VERITAS mission to Venus, Artemis II is ready for its historic flight to the Moon, and the Dark Energy Survey reveals the distribution of dark matter on an astounding scale. For mind-blowing astro-stuff, space news, and trivia, join the astroquarks on Walkabout the Galaxy.

On this episode we rank the 4 portals of Universal Epic Universe, Dark Universe, Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic & Super Nintendo World. Join us in The Producers Club Follow us: LINKTREE     

Gamer and YouTuber extraordinaire TULOK THE BARBRARIAN has come to drag Dylan & Dalton back to the DARK UNIVERSE in this massive guest episode! For the first time, a guest has brought in a full-length script to read, and it's a gnarly reinterpretation of the classic folk tale The Pied Piper. We've gone all out for this one!Who is this menacing musician, and how does his story connect to our thirty-part cinematic universe of monster movies? (Don't worry, no previous Dark Universe experience is required.)SPONSORSDon't miss our charity livestream on Friday, January 23rd at 8pm ET, over on the Tulok the Barbrarian YouTube channel! We'll be running a one-shot game set in the same Dark Universe as this episode, guest starring fan-favorite guests Stella Sacco and Kendra Wells.You can back the new sourcebook Formula Infiniti at TTRPG.link/speedofsadAnd you can find Coffee Nick's Movie Picks wherever you listen to podcasts.CHAPTERS00:00:00 - Intro00:03:40 - Our guest, Tulok!00:06:38 - Why the Pied Piper?00:13:05 - Tulok brought a gift00:14:00 - The Surprise00:20:31 - Announcing our upcoming charity stream00:26:52 - Trigger warnings00:27:35 - Act One00:45:01 - Discussion00:54:43 - Act Two01:06:16 - Discussion01:17:59 - Back to Act Two01:32:06 - Discussion01:39:02 - Act Three02:09:48 - Discussion02:29:24 - Coming attractions and patron acknowledgements

Ian and Alicia are talking about recent news happening at the Universal UK project as well as our thoughts on recent rumors and permit details for Orlando, including Pokemon in Lost Continent, Potter expansion at Epic Universe, and whether Creature from the Black Lagoon is happening or not!Related Links:Intamin Document Original Tweet: https://x.com/SaxOnTracks/status/2001830758940623236EYNTK Pokemon Theater Speculation: https://eyntk.info/speculation-universal-orlando-intamin-simulator/ Alicia Social Links: https://alicia.socialSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStopSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThemeParkStop

We're spending a full day exploring Universal's Epic Universe to see if it really does live up to the hype. From the moment you step into Celestial Park, it's clear this isn't just another theme park — it's a massive leap forward in immersive storytelling, ride technology, and atmosphere.We break down each world we explored, starting with Celestial Park and its stunning design, headlined by the thrilling Stardust Racers coaster. From there, we jump through portals into SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where the colors pop, the energy is nonstop, and attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Mine-Cart Madness bring video games to life in a way we've never seen before.Next, we head into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where the details are next-level. We talk about our days experience with the flagship attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, plus Le Cirque Arcanus, a Cirque-style live show featuring magical creatures, aerial performances, and a story pulled straight from the Wizarding World.We also explore How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, covering rides like Hiccup's Wing Gliders and the live stage show The Untrainable Dragon, before ending in the darker, moodier Dark Universe, home to classic Universal Monsters and standout attractions like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.We share what surprised us most, what worked, what didn't, and where Epic Universe fits into the future of Universal Orlando. If you're planning a visit — or just want to know if it's worth the hype — this episode has you covered.

Months ago, Emmy-winning writer and author Daniel Kibblesmith was driving through Burbank, California when he made an astounding realization - The Grinch is a Universal Monster. Therefore, he is eligible for inclusion in the Dark Universe, the sprawling film franchise that was launched in 2017, immediately scrapped, and then continued by Dylan & Dalton on the previous incarnation of their podcast!What are Daniel's plans for the green meanie with a penchant for devilry and a hatred of Christmas? Let's find out...SPONSORSYou can search for the Frankencast wherever you listen to podcasts.Check out TOWNIE(S), a TTRPG by Jellyfishlines, at https://jellyfishlines.carrd.co/And you can find Spooky Aurora's White City at retrofit-games-company.itch.ioAnd as always you can join our Patreon - Patreon.com/DylanAndDaltonCHAPTERS00:00:00 - Intro00:03:25 - Our guest, Daniel Kibblesmith!00:06:56 - Some Grinch history00:31:10 - Sponsors: The Frankencast & TOWNIE(S)00:32:29 - Casting the Grinch 00:35:19 - Daniel's pitch00:52:46 - Workshopping the pitch01:25:26 - Sponsor: The White City01:26:40 - What's coming up on the pod?

Jim kicks off this week's show with a wild winter travel saga involving airport shutdowns, missing donuts, and a 3 a.m. pickup run that somehow beats the incoming snowstorm. From there, he and Eric dive into a new Universal survey aimed squarely at teens, explore construction movement in Lost Continent, and track down the long-missing Monsters Café icons now hiding backstage in Dark Universe. They also unpack the Grinch's sudden takeover of holiday marketing before shifting into a deep-dive feature on the long, winding, neon-lit creation of Universal CityWalk Hollywood—a project Lou Wasserman first dreamed up nearly three decades before it opened. NEWS • Teen-focused Universal survey hints at interest in genre preferences, event awareness, and horror-driven engagement. • Activity in Lost Continent sparks renewed speculation about future land plans and potential tie-ins to Wicked's box office momentum. • Classic Monsters Café statues resurface behind Dark Universe, raising questions about their next life in the parks. • McDonald's unveils a Grinch meal, highlighting the odd licensing divide between animated, live-action, and promotional designs. • Universal updates its disability access program, shifting to a more streamlined digital Attractions Assistance Pass. FEATURE • How Lou Wasserman's 1966 idea evolved into the modern, open-air entertainment district known as CityWalk. • Why Universal insisted CityWalk be “not a mall,” but a curated neighborhood blending neon art, unique shops, and LA culture. • The surprising role of historic neon, UCLA programming, and an 18-screen movie palace in shaping the development. • Early expansions, closures, and how CityWalk continues to evolve ahead of Universal Hollywood's third on-site hotel. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by the DVC Rental Store. Planning a 2026 trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Save 10 percent or more on deluxe accommodations at:UnlockedMagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey trace the ambitious — and ultimately ill-fated — vision for Universal's Dark Universe, from the scrapped sequel to The Mummy to Tom Cruise's push to reinvent himself as the studio's modern Van Helsing. NEWS Universal courts talent and headlines by hiring Mark Platt and director Lorene Scafaria for a Sabrina Carpenter–led Alice in Wonderland musical. Comcast explores a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs advising. Competing interest from Netflix and Apple raises the stakes ahead of WBD's planned corporate split. Peacock sets a new premiere date for The Epic Ride documentary, now featuring rare dragon-drone testing footage from Epic Universe. A closer look at how the industry shake-ups could affect theme park rights, licensing, and future Universal IP development. FEATURE The original plan for a direct sequel to 2017's The Mummy — and how the story would have expanded Dr. Jekyll's organization and the gods-and-monsters mythology. Why Tom Cruise's version of Nick Morton was conceived as the entry point to a larger shared universe… and how internal plans positioned him as the modern Van Helsing, monster hunter and connective tissue between films. How Cruise's hands-on creative control — the same instinct that later led Top Gun: Maverick to a $1.4B box office — clashed with Universal's rollout of the Dark Universe brand. A breakdown of what actually killed the Dark Universe: mismatched expectations, a premature cinematic universe announcement, and a marketing campaign Cruise felt undermined the film he delivered. Why Epic Universe's Dark Universe land succeeds where the films didn't — channeling classic-monster storytelling without the burden of a forced franchise blueprint. HOSTS Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comEric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com PATREON Love the show? Support more insider stories, deep dives, and history of themed entertainment at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ FOLLOW US Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia PRODUCTION Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic — Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including discounts on after-hours events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Start planning at UnlockedMagic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a newly surfaced Universal guest survey that hints at Epic Universe joining the resort's Annual Pass lineup — and what that could mean for crowds, pricing, and park strategy. Plus, Jim shares a real-life road trip saga straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the guys unpack Universal's latest headlines from Orlando to Hollywood. NEWS A listener-sent Universal survey suggests Epic Universe may soon be included in AP tiers. Comcast's Q3 results show a 19% jump in theme park revenue, driven by Epic's first full quarter. The Burning Blade Tavern's fire effect goes dark — and fans dub it “The Invisible Blade.” Jim explains why Spider-Man still appears in Universal marketing — thanks to a contract clause requiring 20% Marvel representation in Islands of Adventure ads. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz return for a brand-new Mummy sequel, proving Universal's monster legacy isn't dead yet. FEATUREJim continues his deep dive into Universal's ill-fated Dark Universe — the studio's ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe. From Dracula Untold to The Mummy (2017), discover how even A-list stars and big budgets couldn't resurrect the undead franchise. Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com PatreonSupport Epic Universal and other Jim Hill Media shows at patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow UsFacebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer CreditsEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including after-hours events. Visit UnlockedMagic.com today and tell them Eric and Jim sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Halloween episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig up the spooky story of Universal's Dark Universe - the ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe that never rose from the grave. From The Mummy's box office stumble to the Wolfman's cursed production, the duo unpacks how a failed film series still inspired one of Epic Universe's most anticipated lands. Along the way, they discuss park attendance stats, ticket changes, and a few frightfully fun surprises. 2024 Themed Entertainment Association attendance report reveals Universal's shifting rankings Why Universal paused 3-Day Annual Pass sales and what it means for Epic Universe access The rise and fall of The Mummy reboot and the costly chaos behind The Wolfman Inside Universal's forgotten plans for Creature from the Black Lagoon and Dracula Untold How the ashes of a movie misfire gave life to Epic Universe's monster-filled Dark Universe land Even the monsters couldn't scare away Jim and Eric's curiosity—hear the full tale of how Universal's cinematic dream turned into a theme park triumph. Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s group chat, Jason and Rosie dive into the world of classic horror films, focusing on the legacy of Universal Monsters and the failed attempts to create a modern Dark Universe. Then they explore the lessons we can learn from the box office trends in 2025, and wrap up by sharing their favorite Halloween treats. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision DiscordSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like The Mummy 2017, everything we've been covering up to this point has lead us here. The Dark Universe has had its fair share of failures but none quite as spectacular as the 2017 reboot/sequel/franchise launching Tom Cruise vehicle The Mummy. With Universal pumping nearly 200 million dollars into the budget including a brand new logo and the reveal of it's upcoming film slate in a hilarious promo photo featuring the likes of Javier Bardem and Johnny Depp this outing was nothing but an unmitigated disaster. And thats's why we love it. Not the movie but all the stuff around it. Thanks for watching our Caravan Of Garbage reviewSUBSCRIBE HERE ►► http://goo.gl/pQ39jNHelp support the show and get early episodes ► https://bigsandwich.co/Patreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesJames' Twitter ► http://twitter.com/mrsundaymoviesMaso's Twitter ► http://twitter.com/wikipediabrownPatreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesT-Shirts/Merch ► https://www.teepublic.com/stores/mr-sunday-movies The Weekly Planet iTunes ► https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-planet/id718158767?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 The Weekly Planet Direct Download ► https://play.acast.com/s/theweeklyplanetAmazon Affiliate Link ► https://amzn.to/2nc12P4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've all been having the best time revisiting different failures within the Dark Universe. This week it's Dracula Untold, a thinly veiled attempt to turn Dracula into a comic book action hero. Which is weird because Dracula already exists in both the Marvel and DC Universes. Anyhoo Luke Evans stars as Vlad The Impaler, a kind and gentle family man who just wants to forget the time he literally impalled 1000 people. BUT THEN an man from his past returns to get all the boys and Vlad's like "NO WAY" and he turns into a Dracula. Other things happen but that's the main thrust of it. Thanks for watching our Caravan Of Garbage reviewSUBSCRIBE HERE ►► http://goo.gl/pQ39jNHelp support the show and get early episodes ► https://bigsandwich.co/Patreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesJames' Twitter ► http://twitter.com/mrsundaymoviesMaso's Twitter ► http://twitter.com/wikipediabrownPatreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesT-Shirts/Merch ► https://www.teepublic.com/stores/mr-sunday-movies The Weekly Planet iTunes ► https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-planet/id718158767?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 The Weekly Planet Direct Download ► https://play.acast.com/s/theweeklyplanetAmazon Affiliate Link ► https://amzn.to/2nc12P4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2010 Universal took another step towards rebooting the Dark Universe with a straight shot at a remake of the 1941 classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney Jr. This time starring Benecio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving and with the late addition direction of Joe Johnston it does manage to capture some of the magic of a classic monster movie. But also it's not that good even though Mason liked it. Thanks for watching our Caravan Of Garbage review!SUBSCRIBE HERE ►► http://goo.gl/pQ39jNHelp support the show and get early episodes ► https://bigsandwich.co/Patreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesJames' Twitter ► http://twitter.com/mrsundaymoviesMaso's Twitter ► http://twitter.com/wikipediabrownPatreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesT-Shirts/Merch ► https://www.teepublic.com/stores/mr-sunday-movies The Weekly Planet iTunes ► https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-planet/id718158767?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 The Weekly Planet Direct Download ► https://play.acast.com/s/theweeklyplanetAmazon Affiliate Link ► https://amzn.to/2nc12P4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2004 Universal attempted the impossible, recreate the success of The Mummy reboot from 1999 using the classic monsters of old. At it turns out that was impossible and would continue to be so until The Invisible Man in 2020. Over the next four weeks we're going to take a look at a series of movies that each tried to start their own Dark Universe incorporating classic movie monsters. This week it's Van Helsing starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale which pits Gabriel Van Hesling against a really bizarre version of Dracula. Thanks for watching our Caravan Of Garbage reviewSUBSCRIBE HERE ►► http://goo.gl/pQ39jNHelp support the show and get early episodes ► https://bigsandwich.co/Patreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesJames' Twitter ► http://twitter.com/mrsundaymoviesMaso's Twitter ► http://twitter.com/wikipediabrownPatreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesT-Shirts/Merch ► https://www.teepublic.com/stores/mr-sunday-movies The Weekly Planet iTunes ► https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-planet/id718158767?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 The Weekly Planet Direct Download ► https://play.acast.com/s/theweeklyplanetAmazon Affiliate Link ► https://amzn.to/2nc12P4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.