Universal Orlando is looking to transition from Spider-Man and Dr. Doom to Superman and Batman, as DC Comics superheroes may soon be coming to theme parks.

A large group of various superheroes, including characters in green, red, blue, and yellow costumes, are gathered in a dynamic action scene. Some are flying or fighting while others are posed ready for battle. The background is filled with bright, swirling colors.Credit: DC Comics/Marvel Comics
Universal Might Be Saying Goodbye to Marvel—But Not to Superheroes

For decades, Orlando’s skyline has been crowned by a towering green Hulk, his roar echoing across Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But behind the scenes, another force—darker, caped, and far more brooding—might soon rise to claim that territory. Could the next time guests walk through Marvel Super Hero Island, they find themselves standing beneath Gotham’s skyline instead?

That’s the question rippling across the theme park industry after a stunning chain of corporate maneuvers, power bids, and streaming wars placed the future of comic book universes firmly in play.

A colorful sign reading “Universal’s Islands of Adventure” is mounted on a stone pillar, with blue sky and green tree leaves in the background—home to thrilling attractions like Spider-Man.A colorful sign reading “Universal’s Islands of Adventure” is mounted on a stone pillar, with blue sky and green tree leaves in the background—home to thrilling attractions like Spider-Man.Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
A Streaming Shake-Up with Theme Park Stakes

Only a day ago, Netflix confirmed one of the biggest acquisitions in entertainment history: a massive $72 billion deal to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. The move folds Warner’s storied catalog—including HBO, The Wizard of Oz, The Big Bang Theory, and the entire DC Universe—into the streaming giant’s ever-expanding empire.

But the fallout extends far beyond screens. According to reports from Bloomberg and KTLA 5, Warner Bros. is actively exploring new licensing deals for DC Comics heroes at major theme parks. And topping that list of potential partners? Universal Studios.

A construction worker in a hard hat and reflective vest holds blueprints and talks on a cell phone, juxtaposed with an aerial view of a busy Universal Islands of Adventure amusement park with roller coasters and water attractions.A construction worker in a hard hat and reflective vest holds blueprints and talks on a cell phone, juxtaposed with an aerial view of a busy Universal Islands of Adventure amusement park with roller coasters and water attractions.Image Credit: Inside The Magic
Behind the Talks: The Battle for Superhero Dominance

Currently, Warner Bros. licenses its DC properties—like Batman and Superman—to Six Flags Entertainment Corp., whose parks feature attractions such as Batman: The Ride, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, and Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom. Those agreements, however, could be nearing their limits. Early discussions—no contracts yet, but serious enough to draw industry attention—hint that Warner Bros. Discovery’s successor under Netflix might pivot partnerships toward Universal, breaking long-standing norms in the process.

Warner Bros. were in early talks with Universal theme parks to license DC Comics IP for new attractions. DC is brainstorming the possibility of building life-size blocks of Superman’s Metropolis and Batman’s Gotham for fans to walk through, with marquee venues from the comic book world such as Gotham’s Iceberg Lounge.

– @TheBatmanSagaNW on X

Warner Bros. were in early talks with Universal theme parks to license DC Comics IP for new attractions.

DC is brainstorming the possibility of building life-size blocks of Superman’s Metropolis and Batman’s Gotham for fans to walk through, with marquee venues from the comic… pic.twitter.com/TFj6yciSx6

— The Batman Saga News (@TheBatmanSagaNW) December 6, 2025

If those talks become a deal, it could transform the very heart of Universal’s Orlando park. Marvel Super Hero Island—home to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster—currently operates under licensing agreements that predate Disney’s 2009 purchase of Marvel. Replacing that land with a fully reimagined DC universe would not only end that aging contract but free Universal from the complicated restrictions that have kept the Marvel brand tied up east of the Mississippi.

Logo of Universal Orlando Resort with a globe in the background. The image showcases exciting attractions at the Universal theme park, Islands of Adventure, including a roller coaster, palm trees, and various themed buildings, all set against a bright blue sky.Logo of Universal Orlando Resort with a globe in the background. The image showcases exciting attractions at the Universal theme park, Islands of Adventure, including a roller coaster, palm trees, and various themed buildings, all set against a bright blue sky.Credit: Universal / Inside The Magic
From Super Hero Island to Gotham and Metropolis

Imagine trading web-slingers for grappling hooks. Instead of Spider-Man’s Manhattan, guests could step into an urban sprawl where Gotham’s gritty alleys blend into Metropolis’s gleaming skyline. Superman soaring overhead, the Bat-Signal cutting through the night, and a Justice League attraction uniting heroes who haven’t graced Universal parks since the 1990s.

It would be a total reinvention—one that could bring rejuvenated energy to Islands of Adventure and put Universal head-to-head with Disney’s Marvel-based attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

A wide shot of the Hulk Coaster and Suess Landing inside of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando ResortA wide shot of the Hulk Coaster and Suess Landing inside of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando ResortCredit: Universal
Why This Matters for Universal—and for Fans

This shift isn’t just corporate posturing; it’s healthy competition. Theme park historians often note that the rivalry between Disney and Universal has always fueled innovation. If Universal gains access to DC’s lineup, it could balance the creative landscape in a way that benefits fans of both brands.

While Disney continues to expand its multiverse of Avengers and Spider-Men, Universal could carve out a rival mythos of gods, vigilantes, and justice-driven icons. The timing, too, couldn’t be more intriguing—Epic Universe just opened in May, and a DC-themed overhaul would give Universal’s flagship park new life just as its newest neighbor steals headlines.

Early industry reactions have called this possibility a “superhero arms race.” And in a way, it is—one where rival empires both stand to gain, pushing each other toward bolder, more immersive storytelling. With Netflix’s acquisition expected to finalize between late 2026 and early 2027, the next 18 months could determine not only who controls DC’s on-screen destiny—but who brings it to life in the parks.

So next time you walk through Universal’s gates, take one last look at that towering Hulk. The next figure to loom over you might wear a cape—and answer to a very different symbol.