Harry Potter will not feature in the new Universal UK theme park being built near Bedford, with James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings to star instead.

But its not because of the controversy surrounding JK Rowling and her outspoken defence of women's rights, which has seen her become an unpopular figure among trans activists and many on the woke left.

Instead, the BBC has reported that it's because the new park is just a 40-minute drive away from the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

A source told the BBC that "watertight exclusivity contracts" made it difficult to include Hogwarts in the plans. "Warner Bros has the UK rights to Harry Potter attractions. They tried to find a way round it but couldn't. That could change in years to come, though," the source said.

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On its website, Universal Destinations has claimed "it is too early" to know what attractions will be at the theme park. But Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Breakfast it will show off "great British creations to the world".

"These are things like James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are things like Harry Potter. We've got so much to be proud of," she said. The BBC said there will be a stunt show based on 007, similar to the The Bourne Stuntacular in Florida.

Conceptual art of how Universal Studios Bedford would look
Conceptual art of how Universal Studios Bedford would look

But it won't all be British-themed, with rollercoasters and themed areas based on movie franchises including Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Minions.

The Universal Studios theme parks in Florida and California both have a Harry Potter themed area including a recreation of the village of Hogsmeade in the Scottish Highlands (widely thought to have been inspired by Dufftown in Speyside). Visitors can even buy Scottish food and drink including Tennent's lager and Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Biscuits, to add to the authenticity.

With no Harry Potter, Universal may need to explore 007's Scottish heritage in order to lend a Highland flavour to the new UK theme park – something that would undoubtedly prove popular, especially with US and other international visitors.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Bedford following the announcement that Universal Studios will build its first European theme park in the UK
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Bedford following the announcement that Universal Studios will build its first European theme park in the UK

The Making of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studios Tour has welcomed 6,000 visitors a day since it opened in 2012. Remarkably, TripAdvisor reported that the tour has been the highest-rated attraction worldwide every year since its inauguration.

Construction on the new theme park at Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, is expected to start next year if planning permission is granted, although it is not expected to open until 2031, which means some plans could change.

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