Could Batman Be Coming to Universal in the Future? Here’s What We Know!

Could Batman be on his way to Universal Studios Resort in the future? Here’s what we know!

Universal Orlando

Theme parks are no strangers to superhero-inspired attractions, from Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT to the rides in Marvel’s Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But could even more ultra-popular characters be added to Universal’s roster of superhero offerings in the future?

As reported by Bloomberg, Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. is in talks with theme park operators to license its DC comic book characters for new rides. DC Comics characters include heavy-hitters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, to name a few.

©DC Comics

The company’s DC properties are currently licensed to Six Flags Entertainment Corp, which offers DC-themed rides at its parks, including Batman: The Ride, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, and Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom, among others.

Batman: The Ride ©Six Flags

With Warner Bros. exploring theme park licensing options, Universal may want to throw their hat in the ring, as the company previously planned to include DC Comics attractions in Islands of Adventure. When Universal was developing Islands of Adventure as its second theme park gate in Orlando, what is now Marvel Super Hero Island was originally supposed to be DC Super Hero Land. There’s even concept art available of several of the proposed DC attractions.

Batman vs the Penguin Concept Art ©Universal/Goddard Group

The plan was to split the island between Metropolis, home of Superman, and Batman’s Gotham City, highlighting two of DC’s most recognizable characters. However, the negotiations eventually fell apart due to financial disagreements. After the deal with Warner Bros. didn’t pan out, Universal pivoted, changing the planned theming of the land from DC to Marvel.

With a history of plans for DC Comics attractions in its parks, could Universal be considering taking Warner Bros. up on its current DC licensing offers? According to a source, the talks are in an early stage currently and don’t yet involve contractual negotiations. However, we’ll be keeping a close eye out for updates as things continue to develop!