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.