Netflix doesn’t have its own theme parks, but just last month the company launched the first Netflix House, an indoor venue with elaborate attractions based on Netflix series. (The inaugural location in Philadelphia includes “Wednesday” and “One Piece” attractions; another opening next week in Dallas features “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game.” Meanwhile, “KPop Demon Hunters” is on the way for the future.)
Netflix House Philadelphia.
Photo by Tom Knabe and Sarah Elger
Inside the “Wednesday” attraction at Netflix House Philadelphia.
Photo by Tom Knabe and Sarah Elger
Universal — who also bid for Warner Bros. this week, but lost out to Netflix — frequently collaborates with WB via Universal Destinations & Experiences to create The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions in theme parks globally, including the recent Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, which opened in May. Universal also hosts Scooby-Doo and Beetlejuice character meet & greets in its parks, both WB properties. These all represent licensing partnerships, though; Universal doesn’t own any of those franchises.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Universal Epic Universe.
Photo by Blake Taylor
Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc. gang at Universal Studios Florida.
Photo by Blake Taylor
A “Beetlejuice” haunted house was part of Halloween Horror Nights in 2021 at Universal Studios Florida; the film has been part of the park’s history for many years, from live shows to character greetings, despite not being a Universal movie.
Photo by Blake Taylor
Universal also has a history with Netflix, having collaborated for multiple Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses over the years, such as those based on “Stranger Things” and “The Haunting of Hill House.” Universal’s animation divisions have also developed series exclusively for Netflix, such as “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.” The working relationship across multiple facets of Universal may be advantageous as Netflix considers future theme park partnerships — and as Universal seeks to add more IP into its parks, even if it doesn’t own the IP themselves. That’s reportedly currently the case with discussions to place DC Comics attractions into Universal parks.
Video of the “Stranger Things” cast visiting the show’s haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood: