ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Orlando‘s fourth theme park will likely see more star power as it prepares for its grand opening to the public.
Universal Epic Universe is home to five immersive worlds and over 50 attractions. Centered around Celestial Park, the cosmic hub serves as the gateway to other themed lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
Universal has a history of throwing red-carpet-like events for new attractions and park openings, and you can expect epic fanfare on May 22.
While there’s been no confirmation from Universal or the celebrities themselves, below is a list of big names that could show up at Epic Universe for its grand opening, as well as a look back at previous celebrations.
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg has a long-standing creative consultant relationship with Universal Theme Parks dating back to the 1980s.
The iconic filmmaker attended both the grand openings of Universal Studios Florida in 1990 and the opening of Islands of Adventure in 1999.
With his name attached to Epic Universe, it is likely Spielberg will make his third appearance for a Universal Orlando Resort park opening.
Shigeru Miyamoto
With the expansion of Super Nintendo-themed parks over the last four years, the man behind beloved video games such as Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda has been busy.
Shigeru Miyamoto attended the grand opening for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, and in December 2024, the Japanese video game designer attended the grand opening of the first Donkey Kong Country at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” cast
The grand opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood was a red-carpet affair for the attraction and to promote the release of Illumination’s Super Mario Bros. Movie just a short time later.
Stars Chris Pratt (Mario) and Keegan-Michael Key (Toad) attended the event, which means there’s a good chance they could walk through a warp pipe once again at Epic Universe.
Danny Elfman
Danny Elfman’s original score for Dark Universe is a sonic masterpiece for monsters, showcasing the legendary composer’s signature style that ranges from whimsical to macabre.
The Universal Monsters have always been such a big part of my life. I'm grateful and honored to have been chosen to compose the music for the new Dark Universe in @universalorlando. I can’t wait to go!!! https://t.co/m6EiyTSkmM
— Danny Elfman (@dannyelfman) June 24, 2024
Having done the scores for “Men in Black”, “The Simpsons”, and “Beetlejuice”, his work can be heard at past and present attractions at Universal Studios Florida.
Elfman immediately jumped on the opportunity when he was asked to compose “the music of the monsters”. If Elfman attends Epic Universe opening day festivities, his appearance would add another pulse of electricity through Dark Universe.
[Hear Danny Elfman’s Dark Universe score in the video below]
The cast of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter changed the theme park landscape when Hogsmeade opened at Islands of Adventure in June 2010. Four years later, the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley marked another significant milestone.
Universal Orlando has a history of Hogwarts-sized red carpet events, as cast members from the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise have shown up for attraction openings and “A Celebration of Harry Potter” weekends.
Actors such as James Phelps and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins, showed up more than once, as well as Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, and Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom.
There are a lot of possibilities for who might show up for Epic Universe. As the star of the flagship attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Imelda Staunton would get a warm welcome, unlike her character, Dolores Umbridge, did in the books and films.
With Ministry of Magic being the first Wizarding World to feature the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film series, appearances from Eddie Redmayne and Dan Fogler are not far-fetched.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ cast, original and live-action
Less than a month after the Epic Universe grand opening, the live-action remake of DreamWorks Animation’s 2010 animated film “How to Train Your Dragon” hits theaters.
That timely release plus with Isle of Berk being first “How to Train Your Dragon” area within a theme park, you can expect a Viking-sized celebration.
Gerard Butler is reprising his role as Stoic the Vast in the live-action film adaptation, so seeing Berk come to life is likely inevitable for him.
Much like the film franchise, Hiccup’s voice is a prominent feature throughout Isle of Berk, so you’d think an appearance by voice actor Jay Baruchel is in order.