Jaws could be heading to Universal Studios in the UK, ready for its grand opening in 2031.
Universal Studios Great Britain is still years away from opening, but anticipation is building fast. Set to be Universal’s flagship park in Europe, it’s already prompted plenty of speculation about what properties might be featured. Among the usual suspects are Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic World, but one iconic name has yet to surface: Jaws.
While Jaws hasn’t been mentioned in connection with the UK theme park resort, that doesn’t mean it’s completely off the table. In fact, if Universal is looking to resurrect a bona fide classic for UK audiences, Jaws would be a strong candidate. After all, it has already enjoyed a very popular attraction at not one, but two Universal Studios resorts.
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The original ride at Universal Studios Florida, which opened in 1990, took guests on a boat tour that featured exploding gas docks, thrashing water, and a mechanical shark attack, making it one of the park’s most memorable rides until its closure in 2012 when it had to make way for an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Diagon Alley).
Fortunately, for fans of that original attraction, as well as of course the iconic 1975 film by Steven Spielberg (which enjoys its 50th anniversary this year and is now being celebrated at the resorts), there’s still a version of the ride on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood (upon which the original ride was based) and at Universal Studios Japan, which has been open since 2001.
Still, it goes without saying that guests would love to see the ride resurface in the UK. Not only would it bring a bit of Hollywood history into the park, it would also offer a different tone from the more flashy attractions of newer franchises. There’s something appealing about a slow boat ride, a ticking clock, and the anticipation of something lurking just beneath the murky surface. It’s the stuff nightmares—and theme park rides—are made of.
Jaws Could Get an Upgrade at Universal Studios GB
A modernized version of the original ride — or even something entirely new based on the film — could give Jaws fans something even more exciting to sink their teeth into.
There’s been no word on a Jaws ride in the UK, and no hints from Universal, but with a new park and a 25-foot shark still swimming in the public imagination, never say never. Sure, packing the upcoming Universal Studios Great Britain with dinosaurs, wizards, secret agents, and time-traveling teens sounds more than enough, but sometimes all you need are two ominous musical notes and a very big fin. And a bigger boat, of course.
Universal Studios GB, which follows destinations in Hollywood, Orlando, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing, is being built in Bedfordshire and will reportedly cover an area of 700 acres (3 km2). While Universal shared some loose concept art when making the official announcement, no themed lands or attractions are confirmed. But here’s hoping that large body of water in the middle welcomes the world’s most famous Great White Shark.
Would you like to see the Jaws ride appear at Universal Studios Great Britain? Let us know in the comments down below!
