Disney's Dark Kingdom Threatens Epic Universe

Disney news reports have been flooding with new developments on the Disney Villains expansion, but we might actually get more than just the Magic Kingdom.

A vibrant, theatrical stage is adorned with various framed pictures of characters in dynamic poses. The centerpiece features a figure on stage, dramatically lit, with an enthusiastic audience watching from below. Colorful lights and dramatic shadows enhance the scene in this New Villains Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. — Credit: Disney

One of the hottest new developments coming out of the Disney parks this week is that the Disney villains are getting a new stage show set to replace Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As thrilling as that is, it might also mean Disney is doubling down on its dark side, which might be bad news for the competition.

Previously predicted to put Disney on the ropes, Epic Universe is a new theme park coming to Orlando, Florida, with innovative attractions, immersive lands, and groundbreaking technology. It includes themed lands like Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, and much more to come. However, Disney has a secret weapon.

Disney Villains Invade ALL of Disney World

Cruella, Iago, Jafar, Ursula, and Captain Hook sitting at a table together Disney Villains — Credit: Disney

Although Disneyland might have more appearances, a villainous presence in the Magic Kingdom was the most logical choice for their premier location. However, it seems that Disney will be using them a lot more than we first thought.

A new villainous stage show was recently announced for Hollywood Studios, more than likely in an effort to tide Guests over until the completion of the Magic Kingdom expansion. The official announcement from the Disney Parks Blog shared that Captain Hook, Maleficent, and more will soon come to greet guests in a brand-new production.

Per Disney,

“Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, something delightfully wicked is about to take the stage. It’s an all-new live production starring your favorite Disney Villains – debuting summer 2025!”

“The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.”

A person dressed as the Headless Horseman rides a horse in front of a dimly lit castle at Disney World. They hold a glowing, carved jack-o'-lantern in one hand, while blue and purple lights illuminate the background, with blurred figures seen in the distance. — Credit: Disney

This is the biggest presence the villains have had outside of the usual Halloween events, and things are only predicted to progress as the Magic Kingdom expansion nears its completion. Not only that, but the villains have already staked a claim on Hollywood Studios after years of being the primary fixtures of Fantasmic!. However, who’s to say that developments have to stop there?

EPCOT and Animal Kingdom both have reasons for needing a splash of villainy here and there. After all, Gaston has been seen looking for Belle at the entrance near the France pavilion, and who wouldn’t want to see Scar prowling around at the Tree of Life?

Additionally, the Disney Villains announcement follows Universal’s own evil expansion. Sometimes, there’s no such thing as coincidence.

A New World of Gods and Monsters

One of Universal’s landmark franchises is its Universal Monsters series, and giving them their own world was a stroke of genius (or madness). As Halloween Horror Nights continues to be one of the most successful events on Universal Studios’ calendar, imagine what having year-round attractions in that similar vein might do to their competitors in the castle.

Joking aside, the new villain-themed additions and announcements from Disney make it feel like the mouse is throwing down the gauntlet and matching Universal’s energy. Although perhaps not as intimidating as Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, and Dracula, Disney arguably has a much more extensive fanbase.

Although it’s too early in the game to know for sure, we might be looking at a battle of the bad guys in the theme park world. Disney never does anything small, but can they compete with something on Epic’s scale?

How big do you think Disney will go with the villains? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!