About this episode

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss recent Universal news and Ron Howard's relationship with the studio.

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a busy week of Universal news, from Epic Universe’s long-awaited Celestial Goodnight fireworks debut to Universal Fan Fest Nights coming to Orlando this fall. They also check in on Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift testing at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Super Nintendo World heading to Singapore. Then Jim uses last week’s Backdraft discussion as a springboard for a look at Ron Howard’s decades-long relationship with Universal, from Parenthood and Backdraft to Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and beyond. NEWS • Epic Universe officially debuts Celestial Goodnight, its nighttime fireworks and fountain spectacular. • Universal Orlando announces Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited-capacity after-hours event coming to Epic Universe this fall. • Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift begins testing at Universal Studios Hollywood, though early reports suggest it may not be as silent as advertised. • Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas adds a limited-time Resident Evil takeover with themed zones, puzzles, food, and characters. • Universal Studios Singapore announces plans for a Super Nintendo World…

More episodes of The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

• “Swapped” Chases the “KPop Demon Hunters” Crown (Ep. 367) · July 21, 2026 · 54 min
• Why Turtle Talk Outlived Stitch’s Great Escape (Ep. 593) · July 20, 2026 · 1h 5m
• By the Power of Grayskull, He-Man Storms Universal History (Ep. 111) · July 17, 2026 · 1h 15m
• From All-Stars to Art of Animation: Disney’s Value Resort Story (Ep. 108) · July 16, 2026 · 57 min
• Character Dining Takes the Stand (Ep. 23) · July 15, 2026 · 31 min
• The Original Voice of Winnie the Pooh (Ep. 366) · July 14, 2026 · 46 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network podcast page.