Universal is a massive film studio with a long history in Hollywood that dates back to the 1910s. Universal’s intellectual properties include, Jurassic Park, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Fast & Furious. Learn more about this film studio with five facts that highlight its star-studded history.
5 Universal Film Studios Facts
1. The film company was allegedly named for a plumbing ad. (Source)
Universal Film Manufacturing Company was officially founded on April 30,1912. Legend has is that the man who named it Universal was inspired by an he saw for “Universal Pipe Fittings.” It’s a great name in any case.
2. Only one original ride remains at Universal Studios theme park. (Source)
Universal Orlando opened in July of 1990. Since then, nearly all of the rides have been updated or replaced except for one. “ET’s Adventure” is beloved and the only original remaining ride in the park.
3. Massive amounts of film history were lost due to fire. (Source)
In 2008, a three-alarm fire at Universal Studios destroyed 40 to 50,000 archived TV shows and films, including I Lovy Lucy, Miami Vice, and The Office.
4. Universal owns the largest market share in the film industry. (Source)
As of 2023, Universal owned 21.77% of the market share, just ahead of Walt Disney Studios.
5. Monster movie characters represent their own Universal intellectual property. (Source)
The “Universal monsters” IP includes characters from Universal movie mega-hits like Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, the Invisible Man, and the Phantom of the Opera.
