RUMOR: Universal Actively Developing Replacement for Marvel Super Hero Island

Rumors indicate that Universal Creative is currently developing plans that will replace Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure.

Universal’s Contract With Marvel

People walking on a path toward colorful buildings under an overcast sky. A large metal cover on the ground is etched with "Marvel Super Hero Island" at Universal. A sign on the left reads "Single Rider Line Open.

Marvel Super Hero Island opened with the park in 1999. At the time, Marvel was nowhere near as hot of a commodity as it is now. Universal struck a deal for the theme park rights that includes any character in the families of characters represented in the land — meaning the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four.

The contract, which is available to read in full, gives Universal the exclusive theme park rights to those characters and the Marvel branding “east of the Mississippi,” and lasts “in perpetuity” as long as Universal is utilizing the property according to the quality terms set in the contract.

Disney and Marvel

Entrance to Storm Force Accelatron at Universal's Marvel Super Hero Island, featuring a futuristic theme with vibrant signage and a superhero character illustration.

In 2009, the Walt Disney Company purchased Marvel, including the comics and film studio. Due to the terms of the original contract, the agreement with Universal was unaffected by the purchase. However, it now meant that the money they were paying to Marvel was going directly into the pocket of their biggest competitor.

Disney has since added Marvel attractions to their theme parks and cruise ships around the world, with the notable exception of Walt Disney World. Until 2012, the resort remained devoid of Marvel-related anything.

The inclusion of Marvel at Walt Disney World got off to a rocky start. There was some trial and error where it seemed Disney was testing the waters to see what Universal would push back about.

An amusement park themed with whimsical structures, featuring a ride called "Fear Fall" with tall towers, colorful signage, and decorative elements under an overcast sky. This could be seen as a universal replacement for the thrills of Marvel Super Hero Island.

Among the representation were two monorail wraps (one promoting The Avengers and another promoting Iron Man 3), a Doctor Strange appearance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a Marvel store at Disney Springs.

The monorails were permissible as long as they didn’t run on the EPCOT line — therefore entering a theme park — as they were equivalent to an advertisement for a movie. The Doctor Strange appearance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios lasted less than a month before it quietly disappeared. The Marvel store, Super Hero Headquarters, originally debuted without the Marvel branding. A Marvel logo has since been added to the signage.

The biggest development was the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. This is permissible within the terms of the agreement because the Guardians of the Galaxy do not appear at Islands of Adventure. They are also not considered part of the Avengers, X-Men, or Fantastic Four families.

What Happens if Universal Gets Rid of Marvel Super Hero Island?

A large Wolverine statue with extended claws looms above the store entrance on Marvel Super Hero Island. People, including a person pushing a stroller, walk outside in daylight. Trees and a cloudy sky serve as the unique background for this Universal attraction.

If Universal replaces Marvel Super Hero Island and has no “Marvel Universe” within the park, the contract is terminated. They will no longer have the theme park rights to any Marvel property.

This would allow Disney to add more Marvel to Walt Disney World if they so desired.

What Could Replace Marvel Super Hero Island?

The entrance to "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" at Universal's Marvel Super Hero Island features a large Spider-Man figure climbing a building façade, with people gathered near the entrance.

Right now, the possibilities are wide open. Original plans for the land before Marvel signed on were Batman-themed. Universal also has many properties of its own that it could use to avoid another licensing agreement.

However, sources indicate that Universal Creative is developing plans for a Pokémon-themed land. They currently work with Pokémon for use at Universal Studios Japan, and the property is undeniably popular. USJ’s version of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man closed recently, with rumors of a Pokémon re-theme. It’s possible Universal could be considering this for both versions of the ride.

Other rumors, however, point to a Pokémon takeover of The Simpson’s Springfield, U.S.A. next door at Universal Studios Florida. Incidentally, The Simpsons is another property that Universal had theme park rights to and then was purchased by Disney. It’s likely no coincidence that both lands are reportedly on the chopping block.

Rumors of Universal giving the theme park rights for Marvel to Disney have circulated since 2009. At this time, nothing has been confirmed by either party.

What do you think of Universal planning to replace Marvel Super Hero Island? Let us know in the comments.

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