J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World franchise may have stumbled at the box office with the last Fantastic Beasts film, but Universal is still looking to keep promoting the world of Harry Potter via their theme parks.
A new attraction is coming to the Wizarding World next year with the Ministry of Magic, and it features a return of one cast member from the original movies.
Imelda Staunton Returns as Dolores Umbridge
In an interesting way to add a story to the attraction, the Ministry of Magic will give fans a look at the “Trial of Dolores Umbridge,” which will also bring back original actress Imelda Staunton, who had originated the role in Order of the Phoenix.
The official description reads:
“Enter a new era of the wizarding world. Go deeper into the British Ministry than ever before – encountering past Ministers, exploring the Auror Headquarters, and finding yourself in a familiar sickly pink office. All this before hopping on an enchanted lift in the thrilling new ride, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry - featuring the inimitable Dame Imelda Staunton returning as Dolores Umbridge! See you at Universal Epic Universe in 2025.”
The ride gives fans an idea of where the story goes after the events of The Deathly Hallows. Umbridge's trial becomes the setting for a ride where guests can follow a magical chase for Umbridge and some Death Eaters.
The attraction also comes with some Easter Eggs for some fans, including lockers for Harry, Ron, and Neville, who become Aurors-in-training, plus a visit to Umbridge’s pink office filled with her kitten plates and an animatronic house elf, which is supposedly packing up her things.
Other Attractions Coming to the Park
Besides a look at the Ministry of Magic, the park will also introduce a setting from the Fantastic Beasts film—specifically, the magic circus where Credence ends up working. The attraction promises a show filled with all kinds of visuals and magical creatures, and the shop windows are also said to have a niffler or two.
The park will also introduce a new French wand shop called Baguettes Magiques de Cosme Acajor—which simply translates to Magic Wands of Cosme Acajor; as it turns out, “baguette” is only a type of bread. The actual French word for bread is pain.
Universal’s Epic Universe
The Wizarding World is one of several themed attractions in Universal’s Epic Universe. Other attractions in the park include Super Nintendo World, based on the Super Mario Bros. franchise; How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, which is based on Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon; and Dark Universe, which is expected to be filled with Universal’s classic movie monsters including Dracula, the Wolfman, The Invisible Man, the Mummy, and Frankenstein’s Monster.
There is also Celestial Park, which isn’t based on any specific IP but will be considered the hub connecting all of the themed worlds.
Fans should expect more expansions to the park soon, but as of now, this looks to be Universal’s big plan for its launch next year.
The Ministry of Magic Attraction is set to open at Universal's Epic Universe, launching sometime next year.