How Transformers Replaced Murder, She Wrote at Universal Studios (Ep. 72)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 10 October 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey crack open the story behind how Transformers: The Ride 3D bulldozed its way into Universal Studios Florida—literally replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. Along the way, they cover everything from Universal’s new Fanta horror crossover to coaster policy changes, Simpsons rumors, and a surprising Zelda connection inside Epic Universe. The real story of how Transformers: The Ride 3D took over the former Murder, She Wrote soundstage Universal and Blumhouse’s spooky soda collab with Fanta, featuring Chucky, Megan, and Freddy Fazbear Stardust Racers reopens after a fatal accident—with new resort-wide safety standards The Simpsons’ uncertain future at Universal and what Matt Selman really meant Hints of Zelda inside Epic Universe and what that could mean for Universal’s next land From Fanta cans to fighting Decepticons, Jim and Eric uncover how Universal keeps reinventing its parks - sometimes by demolishing a mystery and building a blockbuster. 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome back to the Epic Universal podcast.
0:18.2	I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill, and this is the podcast. We cover the latest
0:23.1	universal news, rumors and history. And as always, I'm joined by Eric Hersey. And look, we're
0:30.5	doing a podcast here. Eric, that's thirsty work. So what beverage do you have on your side?
0:37.0	Well, Jim, I'm actually drinking an original Coke right now, which I varied not to have the Coke zero that Lauren has been stalking in the house. So I'm drinking a Coke. But I have a feeling that this is setting up something, Jim. What do you know about beverages that I don't? Well, I actually just before we got started here tonight, was sort of looking for, you know, what's the latest thing in the Universal News?
0:57.6	And, of course, this is October.
1:00.4	So Halloween is just around the corner.
1:02.6	And have you seen this thing that Fanta and Universal are doing together?
1:08.9	Oh, you know what, Jim?
1:10.5	I think I know what you're talking about.
1:12.2	And truth be told, I actually was sent this by a listener maybe a month or so ago.
1:16.8	And it's, is it Fanta?
1:18.8	Do they have like Chucky, Child's Play?
1:21.0	And who else is on that?
1:22.9	But they're like a collaboration, right?
1:24.8	Yes, that this is Universal and Blumhouse, you know, collaborating with
1:30.9	Fanta, with, you know, I guess modern horror icons on
1:37.2	cans of Fanta soda. So we have the grabber
1:42.2	on the strawberry Fanta.
1:46.1	We have Freddie Fasbear.
1:48.2	He's on the original orange Fanta container.
1:51.7	And Megan, she's on the grape version of Fanta.
	...

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