Is The Hobbit Coming to Life at Universal Theme Parks?

Universal Studios are in talks with the estate of author J.R.R. Tolkien to create a Middle Earth theme park, claims The One Ring. The fan site, which is often one of the first to break big news relating to Tolkien properties, says that a forum user claims Universal approached the Tolkien Estate through Warner Brothers, who distribute the film adaptations of the properties. Says their source, "Universal asked Warner Bros. to approach the Tolkien family since the Tolkien's trust WB with the success of the LOTR series. WB described how Universal was willing to work with JK Rowling and how the 2 of them (WB and JK) held Universal's feet to the fire to uphold Rowling's vision of the IP. And I believe that the Tolkiens may have actually talked to JK Rowling. This was before Universal said a word to the Tolkien's. So after WB stoked the fire, Universal entered the picture with an impressive plan. As of now there is a lot of hammering out to go, but Universal has gotten a lot farther than Disney ever did." While Warner Brothers have a standing business relationship with the Six Flags family of parks, the movie studio no longer owns Six Flags. The relationship has still led some fans to express skepticism that Warners would work closely with Universal. As noted above, the Harry Potter feature that Universal recently rolled out is also a Warner film property, and the films play a prominent role in the experience. Universal currently operates Marvel Islands of Adventure, a Marvel Comics-themed area of their parks where characters from Marvel Comics appear in costume. They also have a pretty decent Marvel Comics shop onsite. Rumors that Disney's acquisition of Marvel would present a challenge to Universal's use of those characters in their theme parks have so far proven false. There is a similar relationship that exists between DC Comics and Six Flags.