Transformers Goes Universal

Mon., Oct. 20, 2008 4:22 PM PDT by Natalie Finn

Dreamworks

More than meets the eye is going on at Universal Studios.

The filmcentric theme park is planning a new special effects-laden attraction based on the 2007 blockbuster Transformers, which has grossed $708 million worldwide, Universal announced Monday.

The high-tech ride—a joint effort from Universal Parks & Resorts, Hasbro Inc. and DreamWorks—will fuse 3-D, HD, robotics and all sorts of bells and whistles in an adventure that "will transform perceptions of theme park experiences," according to park honchos. The (Optimus) Prime attraction should be ready to thrill visitors to Universal Studios Singapore in early 2011. (The Singapore park itself is scheduled to open in 2010.)

A debut at Universal Studios Hollywood will come after its unveiling in Asia, where the concept behind the original Transformers toy-and-cartoon empire originated in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, Michael Bay, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox et al have been busy putting Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen together in time for its June 2009 release.