James Bond, Lord of the Rings and Paddington Are Coming to Universal’s New UK Park, But One Major Name Won’t Be There

Universal’s highly anticipated theme park in Bedford, set to open in 2031, promises to bring some of the most beloved characters and franchises to the UK, but fans of one iconic wizard will be disappointed to learn that Harry Potter won’t be part of the attraction.

The new theme park, located in Bedfordshire, is expected to be one of Europe’s largest and most advanced, with a 500-room hotel, retail and entertainment complexes, and a range of attractions, including iconic themes like James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Paddington, Jurassic Park, Minions, and Back to the Future. These attractions are expected to draw around 8.5 million visitors in the park’s first year alone, generating nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, according to Universal’s projections.

Despite the ambitious lineup of attractions, the beloved Harry Potter franchise will not be part of the new theme park, a fact that has perplexed many fans. According to a source close to the project, it is due to “watertight exclusivity contracts” held by Warner Bros, which has the UK rights to the wizarding world. The source pointed out that even though Universal’s other resorts feature Harry Potter attractions, the exclusivity with Warner Bros has made it difficult to bring the franchise to this new location. Though there’s a possibility of change in the future, the insider confirmed that it’s unlikely the Harry Potter theme will make an appearance anytime soon.

While Potterheads may feel left out, there’s still plenty to look forward to. James Bond is set to take center stage, with a thrilling stunt show dedicated to the world’s most famous spy. The show will be similar to The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal’s Florida park, offering fans an adrenaline-pumping experience. Meanwhile, Paddington Bear, beloved by families, will have his own dedicated space, along with attractions based on Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park.

Many of the park’s major attractions are expected to be indoor experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy their favorite franchises in all-weather environments. A source close to the project mentioned that the indoor rides could include Back to the Future, Minions, and Jurassic Park, promising immersive and dynamic experiences for visitors of all ages.

Although details about the park’s layout are still being finalized, the design of the site already includes key attractions like the Hill Valley clock tower from Back to the Future, with more surprises expected. Universal aims to make these attractions unique to the British park, giving it a distinct identity compared to its other global locations.

The development of the Bedford theme park is a major economic boost for the region, with an estimated 28,000 jobs expected to be created—20,000 during the construction phase and 8,000 when the park opens. Local residents, like Maria Perez, a warehouse worker in Bedford, have expressed their excitement about the project, hoping it will transform the town and provide more opportunities for families and young people.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the significance of showcasing British creations on a global stage, with icons like James Bond and Paddington being celebrated in the new park. The park is part of a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and transport links around the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, with plans for expansion at nearby Luton Airport.

Despite the lack of Harry Potter, the new Universal theme park promises to be a thrilling addition to the UK’s entertainment landscape, combining beloved global franchises with the excitement of a world-class destination. As the plans continue to unfold, it’s clear that this park will not only transform Bedford but also redefine the UK’s role as a hub for international tourism and entertainment.