Wizarding World Of Harry Potter's Hollywood Plans Officially Announced

[NelsonG]

Accio Wizarding World Hollywood!

After a week of [url="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675207/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter.jhtml"]rumors and speculation[/url], the good folks at Warner Bros. announced today that the [url="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675207/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter.jhtml"]Wizarding World of Harry Potter[/url] is officially coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. No time line on when the magic's set to start just yet, but the very idea of riding broomsticks and chugging frozen butterbeer in sunny California has the whole MTV Movies team pretty stoked. Not only that, there are plans in the works to expand on the Wizarding World's current Orlando presence. Pretty awesome day for "Potter" fans all around!

[url="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/12/06/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-hollywood-announcement/"][img]http://mtv.mtvnimages.com/uri/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:711236?height=288&width=512[/img][/url]

Get the full press release after the jump, courtesy of [url="http://www.slashfilm.com/universal-officially-announces-hollywood-wizarding-world-harry-potter-orlando-expansion/"]/Film[/url].

[indent][b]Hollywood, CA (Dec. 6, 2011) –[/b] Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.

“I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting,” said J.K. Rowling.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.

“The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. “Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come.”

“This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood. And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels.”

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