According to a post from tformers.com, Transformers director Michael Bay is now working directly with Universal Studios on the creation of a Transformers ride for its Universal Studios Hollywood theme parks.
“Despite Mr. Bay’s previous opposition of the ride, Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, said that Mr. Bay is now on board.
Mr. Woodbury revealed this while being interviewed for the documentary on the making of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the newest theme park at the Universal Studios Orlando [sic]. He revealed that Universal attempts to make the best experience with the rides and Mr. Bay is collaborating to help them do just that.”
Universal Creative, the team behind the creation of the ride, announced the concept in 2008. At the time, Bay stated that he was not yet involved with the attraction, and other internet sources cited that he was opposed to the creation of the ride, which will utilize animatronics and 3-D high definition projection to create a fully engulfing experience for guests.
Lately, though, Universal has set a new trend in coordinating with source material creators for their respective attractions; Peter Jackson has worked closely with Universal on the creation of King Kong 3D 360 for Hollywood’s backlot studio tour, and J.K. Rowling had a large degree of creative control for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando.
Other delays of the Transformers ride have included of financial and creative resources being poured into the rebuilding of Universal Studios Hollywood’s backlot, the majority of which was destroyed by fire on June 1st, 2008. The backlot rebuild just recently wrapped up completion, marking the end of the largest set construction project in Hollywood history.
Transformers: The Ride will open at Universal Studios Singapore in Summer 2011 and at Universal Studios Hollywood in Summer 2012. In Hollywood, it replaces the former Backdraft attraction; the other displaced attraction, the Special Effects Stages, was relocated to the park’s upper lot.
-TCS
