After airing on NBC, the Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe special is now available to stream on Peacock.
Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe
The one-hour special is hosted by Joe Manganiello and features appearances by Bowen Yang, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon M. Chu, Mason Thames, Matt Rogers, Michelle Yeoh, Nico Parker, Vin Diesel and Warwick Davis, plus an extended interview with Steven Spielberg.
The special “explores the imagination, innovation and storytelling behind the groundbreaking new theme park,” said an NBC press release. “As a fan of the stories that Epic Universe brings to life, Manganiello will take audiences on an epic journey as he experiences the park for the first time with unparalleled access to five immersive worlds.” The worlds of Epic Universe are Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the Universal Monsters-inspired Dark Universe.
“As a kid growing up a huge fan of the movies, I couldn’t be more excited about diving into these immersive worlds that bring some of my all-time favorite characters to life,” said Manganiello. “From the iconic monsters of Dark Universe to the super-sized attractions of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
“Universal Epic Universe is truly a first-of-its-kind theme park in connecting the world of beloved characters and stories from popular culture with reality. There is nothing like it,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “Joe’s sense of adventure and ability to connect with fans through cinema and beyond makes him the perfect host to lead audiences on this journey as they experience firsthand the magic in this new chapter of immersive storytelling.”
In the special, Las Culturistas hosts Bowen Yang (Wicked, Saturday Night Live) and Matt Rogers visit the park. The in-park hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, was recently dubbed Most Iconic Building or Structure as part of their Las Culturistas Culture Awards.
Other on-the-ground appearances include Mason Thames and Nico Parker from the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, and Warwick Davis from the Harry Potter films.
Appearing for interviews throughout the special are Bryce Dallas Howard from the Jurassic World trilogy, Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh from Wicked, and Wicked director Jon M. Chu.
Universal Destinations and Experiences Creative Consultant Steven Spielberg, who introduced Epic Universe to the world, is featured in an extended interview “offering insight into the creativity and artistry that makes the park truly revolutionary.”
Airing later this year is Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks, a three-part docuseries about the history and legacy of Universal Destinations and Experiences, including a behind-the-scenes look at Epic Universe. The series was originally set to premiere in July but was postponed.
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