If you think Disney CEO Bob Chapek is the only one who can screw up a great opportunity, you ought to take a look at Michael Eisner and Robert Iger's history with the Harry Potter book publishing and theme park rights! It's an incredible story of arrogance and ignorance.
Author J.K. Rowling went to Disney and its Imagineers not once but twice to give them the chance to build a Wizarding World!
What did the Imagineers design in turn when given this opportunity? Were the attractions for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom half as good as Harry Potter: The Forbidden Journey, Escape from Gringotts, or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure?
I won't spoil it for you but instead urge you to watch this incredible 10 minute video by Yesterworld. Sit down, buckle in, and be prepared to be disgusted... and shocked and scratching your head.
(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)
WOW! What an interesting article and video. I never knew Disney was in negotiations with Rowling to secure HP for the parks. I'm glad in a way it didn't work out. Besides being thoroughly impressed with the Universal attractions, I don't want Disney owning or doing every hot property in existence!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Len! 100%!
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