From Backdraft to The Grinch, Ron Howard Comes Home to Universal (Ep. 110)

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 expansion, raising questions about what new ride systems may eventually travel stateside. FEATURE • Jim traces Ron Howard’s path from child actor on The Andy Griffith Show to Happy Days star and eventual director. • The discussion follows Howard’s early directing career through Grand Theft Auto, Night Shift, Splash, Cocoon, and Willow. • Jim explains how Parenthood became the first movie shot at Universal Studios Florida before the park officially opened. • The episode connects Backdraft to Howard’s long Universal run, including Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey, Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a Universal or Disney trip? Epic Universal Podcast listeners can save up to 12% on theme park tickets, including select after-hours events, through UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices