Oct. 30, 2025

The Annual Pass Puzzle and How The Mummy Buried a Monster Movie Franchise (Ep. 75)

The Annual Pass Puzzle and How The Mummy Buried a Monster Movie Franchise (Ep. 75)
Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
Overcast podcast player badge
Castro podcast player badge
PocketCasts podcast player badge
RSS Feed podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconOvercast podcast player iconCastro podcast player iconPocketCasts podcast player iconRSS Feed podcast player icon

In this Halloween episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig up the spooky story of Universal’s Dark Universe - the ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe that never rose from the grave. From The Mummy’s box office stumble to the Wolfman’s cursed production, the duo unpacks how a failed film series still inspired one of Epic Universe’s most anticipated lands. Along the way, they discuss park attendance stats, ticket changes, and a few frightfully fun surprises.

  • 2024 Themed Entertainment Association attendance report reveals Universal’s shifting rankings

  • Why Universal paused 3-Day Annual Pass sales and what it means for Epic Universe access

  • The rise and fall of The Mummy reboot and the costly chaos behind The Wolfman

  • Inside Universal’s forgotten plans for Creature from the Black Lagoon and Dracula Untold

  • How the ashes of a movie misfire gave life to Epic Universe’s monster-filled Dark Universe land

Even the monsters couldn’t scare away Jim and Eric’s curiosity—hear the full tale of how Universal’s cinematic dream turned into a theme park triumph.

  • Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey

  • Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices